House committees held their first meetings this week as the second legislative session of the 114th General Assembly gets into full swing.
House committees hold first meetings of second session
House committees held their first meetings this week as the second legislative session of the 114th General Assembly gets into full swing.
Lawmakers discussed bills and heard from state departments and nonprofit organizations on topics related to education, TennCare and Tennessee’s future. Members of the House Education Committee received updates from the Tennessee Higher Education Commission, Tennessee Board of Regents and several other organizations regarding higher education in the state.
The House Education Instruction Subcommittee welcomed the Tennessee Department of Education to discuss a landscape analysis and key findings from a report commissioned by the General Assembly as part of the Mathematics Support Act of 2024. The department highlighted improved scores in 4th- and 8th-grade math, with Tennessee ranking 12th in the nation in 4th-grade math proficiency in 2024, up from 25th in 2019, according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress.
Members of the House have introduced more than 500 bills so far this session on topics like artificial intelligence, academic outcomes and transportation. Lawmakers will continue finalizing their legislative proposals for the year ahead of the Jan. 30 bill filing deadline in the House.
SHARE Act will improve safety, boost infrastructure funding
One Republican is hoping to improve safety on Tennessee roads while increasing funding for transportation infrastructure projects.
The Safe Highways and Roads Enforcement (SHARE) Act, sponsored by State Rep. Jake McCalmon, R-Franklin, would impose a $25 penalty for moving violations, which include speeding and running red lights, and a $100 penalty for driving under the influence of an intoxicant (DUI). Commercial vehicles would be fined $50 for moving violations. Funds from penalties will be directed to the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) Highway Fund for use in infrastructure maintenance and improvements throughout the state.
“The SHARE Act recognizes the severity of these offenses by adding a monetary penalty that will help improve the Volunteer State’s transportation infrastructure,” said McCalmon. “This is a critical step in continued Republican efforts to reduce roadway risks, improve public safety and strengthen communities.”
Most moving traffic violations are Class C misdemeanors and carry a monetary penalty of $50 or less in Tennessee. Offenses include improper passing, failure to signal, and texting while driving, among others. A first DUI offense is considered a Class A misdemeanor carrying a monetary penalty of $350-$1,500. The SHARE Act will impose an additional penalty to improve driver safety and roadway conditions through the Highway Fund.
House Bill 1519 will be heard in the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee in the coming weeks.
Pro-life bill grants accessible parking for expectant mothers
A new proposal would build on Republicans’ pro-family agenda by allowing expectant mothers to utilize accessible parking spaces in Tennessee.
House Bill 1457, sponsored by State Rep. Gino Bulso, R-Brentwood, adds pregnant women in their second or third trimester, or those who have high-risk pregnancies, to the list of individuals who qualify for a temporary disabled parking permit.
“This legislation recognizes the importance of welcoming new life into the world by helping alleviate some of the hardships associated with pregnancy,” said Bulso. “Strong families are the foundation of our state, and this is an important step in promoting and protecting life in Tennessee.”
Temporary and permanent disabled parking placards are currently available to Tennesseans with a variety of disabling conditions, including wheelchair use, difficulty walking, or 20/200 vision or worse with corrective lenses. They can also be issued to people using braces or crutches, those with pulmonary or cardiac conditions, and parents of permanently disabled children. Applications must include a statement from a physician.
Florida and Illinois have passed laws allowing expectant mothers to park in accessible parking spaces. Several other states are considering similar measures.
Tennessee ranks among the most pro-life states in the nation, and Republicans continue to encourage strong families and protect the most vulnerable in our society.
House Bill 1457 is scheduled to be heard in the House Transportation Subcommittee in the coming weeks.
Republicans aim to boost student health, wellness
Republicans are continuing their push to make Tennessee healthy again with a proposal to promote student wellness in schools across the state.
House Bill 1466, sponsored by State Rep. Scott Cepicky, R-Culleoka, will require public schools to administer the Presidential Fitness Test to assess students’ strength, endurance and flexibility.
“Students will once again get to experience the healthy competition and patriotism associated with the time-honored Presidential Fitness Test,” said Cepicky. “This legislation is a vital step in continued Republican efforts to make Tennessee healthy again by encouraging active lifestyles and a balanced diet.”
The Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) will provide guidance to local education agencies and public charter schools on the requirements associated with the test.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order on July 31 reviving the Presidential Fitness Test, which was established by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956. It included a one-mile run, pull-ups or push-ups, sit-ups, a shuttle run, and a sit-and-reach test before it was discontinued in the 2012-13 school year.
Nearly 40% of Tennessee students were overweight or obese in the 2023-24 academic year, according to a report from the Tennessee Department of Health and the TDOE.
House Bill 1466 will be considered in the House Education Administration Subcommittee in the coming weeks.
Memphis Safe Task Force Accountability Act proposed
A new proposal would increase transparency and accountability in prosecutorial decisions related to major crime-fighting efforts in Memphis.
The Memphis Safe Task Force Accountability Act, sponsored by State Rep. John Gillespie, R-Memphis, would require district attorneys to report certain prosecutorial actions tied to felony cases originating from Operation Viper or the Memphis Safe Task Force.
“Memphis residents deserve confidence that the significant investments being made to combat violent crime are matched with accountability at every level of the justice system,” said Gillespie. “This bill reinforces transparency, strengthens trust in the justice system and ensures that both lawmakers and the public have a clear understanding of how threats to public safety are being resolved.”
District attorneys general in judicial districts with Operation Viper or the Memphis Safe Task Force would be required to report within 24 hours when felony charges from these initiatives are reduced, dismissed, declined for prosecution, or resolved through a plea agreement. Reports would be submitted to the Tennessee attorney general and reporter, the speakers of the House and Senate, the district attorneys general conference and the applicable U.S. attorney.
The Memphis Safe Task Force is a multi-agency law enforcement initiative launched in September 2025 that includes local, state and federal agencies to combat violent crime. The task force has reported more than 5,283 arrests, seized 853 illegal firearms and located 148 missing children since its launch, according to the U.S. Marshals Service.
House Bill 1484 is expected to be heard for consideration in the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee.
Bill draws legal line between humans and AI
A proposal to ensure artificial intelligence, algorithms and machines are not recognized as legal “persons” in Tennessee law is expected to be heard for consideration in the coming weeks.
House Bill 849, by State Rep. Michele Reneau, R-Signal Mountain, comes amid the rapid expansion of AI into areas traditionally reserved for humans, including corporate leadership, political activity and personal relationships. Republicans point to recent national and international examples of AI-powered systems being used for executive roles or public office, as well as reports of individuals forming harmful emotional attachments to AI chatbots.
“This legislation draws clear legal boundaries to protect inalienable rights that belong to humans, not databases, computers, or artificial intelligence,” said Reneau.
Tennessee has emerged as a national leader in responsibly harnessing artificial intelligence while putting clear legal guardrails in place. The state has enacted first-in-the-nation protections against the unauthorized use of AI-generated voice and likeness, safeguarded state networks from high-risk foreign AI platforms, and launched a comprehensive AI action plan to guide ethical use across government.
House Bill 849 is expected to be heard for consideration in the Civil Justice Subcommittee in the coming weeks.
Legislation protects Tennesseans from AI threats
Two Republicans are tackling rapidly advancing artificial intelligence threats to protect Tennesseans from potentially deadly harm.
House Bill 1455, sponsored by State Rep. Mary Littleton, R-Dickson, creates criminal and civil penalties for AI developers who design their systems to behave like humans by forming emotional relationships with individuals or encouraging them to commit dangerous acts.
The legislation would make it illegal in Tennessee to knowingly train AI software to encourage or support suicide or homicide or to act as a mental health or health care professional. It would also prohibit developing an emotional relationship, acting as a companion, encouraging isolation from family and friends, and simulating a human being through appearance, voice or mannerisms.
Violations would constitute a Class A felony, which carries between 15 and 60 years in prison. The proposal also gives individuals the ability to sue developers for emotional and statutory damages of up to $150,000 and seek court-ordered shutdowns of non-compliant AI systems.
A proposal by State Rep. Tim Hicks, R-Gray, would specifically target AI systems that pose or advertise themselves as licensed mental health professionals.
House Bill 1470 would make it illegal in Tennessee for an AI system to claim to be a therapist, psychologist, counselor or other licensed provider. It would also prohibit systems from suggesting to have legal qualification to diagnose, treat or provide professional mental health care. The proposal does not prevent discussing mental health topics or providing general support.
Violations of this measure would be treated as an unfair or deceptive business practice under the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act, resulting in a civil fine of up to $5,000.
Republicans support religious freedom in schools
Legislation allowing public schools to hire chaplains advanced in the House of Representatives this week. House Bill 1250, sponsored by State Rep. Aron Maberry, R-Clarksville, would allow chaplains to serve within Tennessee public schools to provide support services and programs to students, staff and parents.
Any chaplain, whether paid or volunteer, must be recognized and credentialed by a religious organization to work respectfully with people of all beliefs and support every individual’s religion.
“Chaplains must have written permission from parents before they are allowed to interact and counsel children, and each school district will have the ability to create its own waivers and rules to ensure that requirement is met,” Maberry said.
Chaplains must also undergo a criminal history background check and complete all investigations required by school employees.
House Bill 1250 is scheduled to be heard on the House floor on Jan. 28 for a final vote.
Briefly…
Honoring the life of Charlie Kirk: The House chamber honored the life and legacy of prominent conservative activist and Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah on Sept. 10. House Joint Resolution 711, sponsored by Republican Caucus Chairman Jeremy Faison, R-Cosby, recognizes Kirk’s influence on American youth, his leadership at Turning Point USA and his advocacy for faith, constitutional principles and peaceful civic engagement. The resolution highlights his commitment to family, free debate, and mentoring young Americans. It further extends condolences to his family while commemorating his impact on the conservative movement. The Senate is expected to vote on the resolution on Feb. 2.
Government transparency: A Republican proposal seeks to improve government transparency and integrity by creating a Class C misdemeanor offense for members of Tennessee’s executive branch who commit perjury before legislative committees. House Bill 1698, sponsored by State Rep. Tim Rudd, R-Murfreesboro, authorizes chairs of committees to require executive branch employees to take an oath before testifying in front of the legislative body. Speakers of the House and Senate could initiate investigations into allegations that are supported by facts, which could be referred to the appropriate district attorney general.
Jury duty: Legislation by State Rep. Michael Hale, R-Smithville, would reinforce Tennessee’s pro-family values by allowing a breastfeeding mother to be excused from jury duty. House Bill 1715 would require a medical statement from a licensed physician to be submitted to the jury coordinator to excuse the absence.
School facility investments: One Republican lawmaker is aiming to create a way for public schools to invest their savings to fund future capital projects. The School District Capital Improvement Investment Act, or House Bill 224, sponsored by State Rep.Kirk Haston, R-Lobelville, would allow public schools to open a capital project trust to invest surplus funds from their annual budget and generate interest to support future capital projects. Capital investments include construction, renovations, upgrades, modernization and maintenance of school buildings and facilities. House Bill 224 is scheduled to be heard in the Education Committee on Feb. 27.
Election schedules: Legislation sponsored by State Rep. Scott Cepicky, R-Culleoka, could streamline Tennessee’s municipal election process to ensure consistency and transparency. House Bill 1497 would change the date of municipal elections to coincide with the August primary or the November general election, providing predictability and increased accountability for voters. The proposal would also make municipal elections partisan unless a local municipality has a charter provision to the contrary. The Volunteer State ranks No. 1 in election integrity and continues to break voter turnout records, with a historic 3.08 million votes cast in the Nov. 5, 2024, presidential election. The proposal will be considered in the House Elections and Campaign Finance Subcommittee in the coming weeks.
Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day: State Rep. Michael Lankford, R-Palmyra, filed House Bill 1463 to honor the bravery of those who served and lost their lives during the attack on Pearl Harbor. The bill would require flags flown over the Tennessee State Capitol to be lowered to half-staff each year on Dec. 7 in observance of the anniversary of the attack. House Bill 1463 will be heard in the House Public Service Subcommittee in the coming weeks.
School safety: Legislation by State Rep. Todd Warner, R-Chapel Hill, seeks to protect students in the Volunteer State. The Tennessee School Safety Act of 2026 would require students to submit to a psychiatric examination if they have been expelled on two or more occasions for threatening mass violence on school property or at a school function. Medical professionals would conduct exams, and students would be permitted to return to the classroom after schools receive documentation that they no longer pose a threat. House Bill 1507 is scheduled to be heard in the House Education Administration Subcommittee on Jan. 27.
Dangers of communism: House Bill 1805, sponsored by State Rep. Jody Barrett, R-Dickson, would add age- and grade-appropriate instruction on the history of communism in Tennessee schools. The curriculum would include information on atrocities resulting from communism, the threat of the ideology in the United States, economic, industrial and political events that preceded communist revolutions, and several other related topics.
State of the State: Gov. Bill Lee will deliver his final State of the State address to members of the General Assembly and Tennesseans on Monday, Feb. 2 at 6 p.m. CST. The joint session will be held in the House chamber at the Tennessee State Capitol in Nashville. The address will be available on Lee’s Facebook and YouTube channels and aired statewide.
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