INDEX OF ACTS
RELATED TO COUNTY GOVERNMENT
2025 EDITION
…a service of The University of Tennessee
Prepared by
CTAS Legal Staff
June 2025
These summaries are intended for information only and should not be relied upon for implementation purposes. The full text of all acts summarized in this publication can be viewed on the Secretary of State’s website.
- PART I – PUBLIC ACTS OF GENERAL APPLICATION
County Clerks
Public Chapter 112 Manufactured Homes
SB 119 – HB 1142 Amends 47-9-102 (secured transactions), 55-1-105 (motor vehicle titling and registration), and 68-126-202 (Uniform Standard Code for Manufactured Homes Act) to revise the definition of “manufactured home” to align with 42 USC § 5402(6) which defines “manufactured home” as “a structure, transportable in one or more sections, which, in the traveling mode, is eight body feet or more in width or forty body feet or more in length, or, when erected on site, is three hundred twenty or more square feet, and which is built on a permanent chassis and designed to be used as a dwelling with or without a permanent foundation when connected to the required utilities, and includes the plumbing, heating, air-conditioning, and electrical systems contained therein; except that such term shall include any structure which meets all the requirements of this paragraph except the size requirements and with respect to which the manufacturer voluntarily files a certification required by the Secretary and complies with the standards established under this chapter; and except that such term shall not include any self-propelled recreational vehicle.”
Effective July 1, 2025.
Public Chapter 124 Online Notaries Public
SB 1051 - HB 1340 Amends 8-16-306 to require a person applying to become an online notary to complete a course in notarial laws, technology procedures of online notarization, and ethical requirements of online notaries; and pass an examination administered by the course provider. Requires the person applying to become an online notary to certify that the applicant has reviewed, understands, and will comply with the requirements of 8-16-301 et seq. and the rules promulgated by the secretary of state.
Effective January 1, 2026.
Public Chapter 143 Antique Emergency Vehicles
SB 620 - HB 442 Amends Title 55, Chapters 4 and 9 to allow antique emergency vehicles to be used for participation in, or transportation to and from, community educational events, including displays at fairs, festivals, and schools. Emergency lights and sirens may be installed and operated on privately owned antique motor vehicles under certain circumstances.
Effective July 1, 2025.
Public Chapter 148 Driver’s License
SB 780 - HB 790 Amends 55-50-354 to provide that honorably discharged members of the national guard are authorized to receive a veteran designation on their driver’s license. Requires documentation that indicates an honorable discharge characterization.
Effective April 3, 2025.
Public Chapter 193 Title and Registration During Emergencies
SB 660 - HB 737 Amends 55-4-101 to allow a county clerk to request assistance with vehicle registration, renewal of registrations, and services pursuant to 55-6-104(a)(1) from a neighboring county clerk in the event of an emergency, natural disaster, or similar event. The request must be in writing and can be sent by regular mail, email, or fax. The aiding county clerk shall not collect county specific privilege taxes. The aiding county clerk shall provide the requesting county clerk with a report of vehicles registered during the period of assistance if such report is requested for tax collection purposes. The aiding county clerk shall collect any local sales and use taxes, and remit such taxes to the department in accordance with 55-6-105. Subject to 67-6-710(b)(2) and upon request by the aiding county clerk, the department shall designate proceeds of the taxes collected to the aiding county clerk. The aiding county clerk is authorized to charge a fee of $2.50 for providing the services described above.
Effective April 11, 2025.
Public Chapter 216 Hunting License for Disabled Veterans
SB 1140 – HB 918 Amends 70-2-104 to provide that the executive director, or designee, shall issue a temporary group hunting event permit to a nonprofit organization that pays for a hunting experience at no costs to disabled veterans. The permit is valid only during the event and for no more than seven days. No part of the cost of the permit shall be paid by a disabled veteran. The executive director or designee shall accept evidence of the service related disability.
Effective July 1, 2025.
Public Chapter 255 Utility Terrain Vehicles
SB 728 – HB 810 Amends Title 55 to allow utility terrain vehicles to operate on county roads and state highways under certain conditions and restrictions. Exempts certain utility terrain vehicles from restrictions. Requires registration of such utility terrain vehicles.
Effective April 24, 2025.
Public Chapter 288 Driver’s License
SB 1085 – HB 749 Amends Title 55, Chapter 50, Part 3 by requiring the department to publish a list of out-of-state classes of driver’s license issued to illegal aliens that are invalid in this state by December 1, 2025. Provides that it is a Class B misdemeanor for a person with an invalid driver’s license as described in this part to operate a motor vehicle in this state.
Public Chapter 297 Driver’s License
SB 1297 – HB 1316 Amends 2-7-112(c) and Title 55 to exempt drivers that are 18 years or older from licensing requirements when the person is operating a non-commercial vehicle and is accompanied by a department of safety employee for a driving test. Provides that neither the department nor the contracting entity shall charge a fee for a person to participate in the digital driver license system. Individuals who participate in the digital driver license system may provide their driver’s license in a digital format upon the request of law enforcement, to a seller or alcoholic beverages, or any other person, except when voting. A physical driver’s license must be presented when voting. Data obtained from the digital driver's license must not be retained longer than three days or be sold or provided to entity other than law enforcement, a government entity entitled to information, or pursuant to a subpoena. A contracting entity of the department shall not capture or retain biometric information other than a photograph to confirm the person seeking a digital driver’s license is the same person who holds the physical driver's license. Neither the department nor the contracting entity shall capture geolocation data. The department shall disable, suspend, or terminate a person’s participation in the digital driver’s license system if the driver’s license has been canceled, revoked, or suspended, or reported lost or stolen. Revises other provisions related to driver’s licenses.
Effective April 24, 2025.
Public Chapter 326 County Clerks’ Fees
SB 876 – HB 624 Amends 55-4-105 to increase the fee for service of handling mail orders of plates and decals from $5.00 to $7.00, and the fee for service of handling of decals from $2.00 to $3.00.
Effective July 1, 2025.
Public Chapter 349 Game and Fish License Fees
SB 1038 – HB 1060 Amends 70-2-105(b)(1) to increase the fee county clerks and other agents are entitled to for the purchase of an annual hunting and fishing license from $1.00 to $3.00. Increases the fee county clerks and other agents are entitled to for the purchase of a temporary hunting and fishing license from $0.50 to $3.00.
Effective May 2, 2025.
Public Chapter 444 Bait Privilege Licenses
SB 869 – HB 938 Amends 70-4-113 to require all hunters using bait for whitetail deer hunting to purchase a deer bait privilege license. The initial fee for obtaining a deer bait fishing license is $50 for a resident and $100 for a non-resident and may be adjusted by the commission from time to time. The commission shall promulgate to effectuate this section no later than August 1, 2026. These rules shall establish what constitutes acceptable bait, the amount of bait that may be used, and other conditions of use of the license.
Effective July 1, 2025.
Public Chapter 469 Examination for Driver’s Licenses
SB 469 – HB 1378 Amends 55-50-322(a) to require written examinations for driver’s licenses that must include questions concerning hand signals used by bicycle operators to communicate turning, slowing, and stopping. The driver’s manual will contain information about the hand signals.
Effective January 1, 2026.
Public Chapter 479 Special License Plates
SB 203 – HB 212 Amends Title 55, Chapter 4 to create several new special license plates. Provides that an owner or lessee who is a resident of this state, follows state motor vehicle laws related to registration and licensing, and who pays all required fees shall be issued a special license plate. The plates must be an appropriate design or logo representative of the particular special plate. The funds generated from the sale of the specialty plates will be used for various purposes as provided in the act.
Effective July 1, 2025.
County Government
Public Chapter 001 Immigration
SB 6002 - HB 6001 Amends Title 4, Chapter 3, Part 20. Creates within the Department of Safety the centralized immigration enforcement division, to be administered by the chief immigration enforcement officer. The Commissioner of Safety, in consultation with the chief immigration enforcement officer, shall attempt to enter into the terms of an agreement between the state of Tennessee and the United States attorney general concerning the enforcement of federal immigration laws, detention and removals, and investigations in this state under the 287(g) program pursuant to the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. § 1357(9)).
Effective February 12, 2025. Expires on January 20, 2029, at 11:59 a.m., unless reauthorized by the general assembly prior to such time and date.
Public Chapter 002 Hurricane Helene and Governor's Fund
SB 6003 – HB 6003 Amends Title 9, Chapter 4, Part 2. Creates a fund within the state treasury to be known as the Hurricane Helene interest payment fund. The purpose of the Hurricane Helene interest payment fund is to pay local governments' interest costs for up to 3 years on money borrowed to pay eligible disaster recovery costs related to Hurricane Helene; provided, that moneys from the fund must only pay interest costs up to 5% or the prime interest rate, whichever is lower; and provided further, that the local government is located in a county that was included in the federal disaster declaration resulting from Hurricane Helene.
Effective February 12, 2025.
Public Chapter 003 Emergencies
SB 6004 - HB 6002 Amends 50-7-302 and 58-2-106. Authorizes TEMA to assist a political subdivision or local emergency management agency with recovery from disasters and emergencies on public property at the request of the political subdivision or agency; suspends certain eligibility requirements for unemployment benefits for persons in the area of a declared emergency.
Effective February 12, 2025.
Public Chapter 006 Emergencies and Disasters
SB 6007 - HB 6007 Amends 58-8-106. Subject to the approval of the chief executive officer of the governmental entity, an emergency management employee or official, or the chief executive officer of a governmental utility system, as defined in 58-8-115(c), as applicable, upon receiving a request for mutual aid in an occurrence or for assistance from a requesting party in a municipal, county, state, or federal state of emergency, a participating governmental entity, may send its personnel and equipment outside its boundaries and into any other jurisdiction necessary to respond to the request.
Effective February 12, 2025.
Public Chapter 017 Debt Reporting Requirements
SB 114 - HB 136 Amends 9-21-134 to revise reporting requirements from the state funding board related to finance transactions involving public entities.
Effective March 12, 2025.
Public Chapter 069 World Health Organization
SB 669- HB 1226 Amends 7-51-209 and 68-2-611 to delete references to the World Health Organization.
Effective March 25, 2025.
Public Chapter 114 Tennessee Property Rights Protection Act
SB 480 – HB 444 Enacts the Tennessee Property Rights Protection Act. Amends 13-20-201 to revise the definition of “blighted area” to “blighted property” to make it more narrow and be on a property-by-property basis rather than a whole area. Also amends 13-20-202, 13-20-203, 13-20-209, 13-20-216 and 29-17-102.
Effective April 3, 2025.
Public Chapter 132 Removal of Board or Commission Appointees
SB 39 - HB 56 Enacts a new section at Title 5, Chapter 5, Part 1 to authorize county legislative bodies to remove any member of an appointed board or commission by a 2/3 vote if such removal is recommended by the appointing authority and the member is given at least five business days’ notice of the meeting at which the vote to remove will occur. Provides that the section does not apply in counties that have a charter provision addressing removal of appointed board or commission members prior to the effective date of the act.
Public Chapter 140 Local Government Fees
SB 988 – HB 375 Enacts a new section at Title 5, Chapter 1, Part 1 to require each department, agency or official of a county who assesses and collects a fee related to development in excess of two hundred fifty dollars ($250) to maintain documentation describing the justification and cost basis for such fee. Such documentation is also required upon the adoption of a new fee or for a change in the amount of an existing fee that is related to development and in excess of two hundred fifty dollars ($250). Defines “cost basis” and “development.” Requires the documentation to be maintained and kept on file by the department, agency or official. Also provides that the documentation is a public record and subject to an annual audit by the comptroller. Also requires documentation for costs related to utility connections be maintained and provided in accordance with Title 65, Chapter 5, Part 4. Enacts a similar section for cities at Title 6, Chapter 54, Part 1 and for metropolitan governments at Title 7, Chapter 1.
Effective July 1, 2026.
Public Chapter 174 Garnishments
SB 765 - HB 745 Amends 26-2-203 to provide that a garnishee must, within two (2) business days after the day the garnishee receives a garnishment, determine if the garnishee possesses or controls money or property of the judgment debtor, and furnish a copy of the garnishment summons and notice to judgment debtor as provided in subsection (c), but in no event shall a garnishee furnish the required information to the debtor prior to placing a hold on all available funds in the garnishee’s possession or control.
Effective April 11, 2025.
Public Chapter 208 Subsurface Sewage Disposal Variances
SB 113 - HB 199 Amends 68-221-402, -403 and -410. Provides that the commissioner may issue a variance for a subsurface sewage disposal system which shall supersede any more stringent local requirements. Provides that the commissioner may require the variance to be recorded with the register.
Effective April 15, 2025.
Public Chapter 218 Local Government Debt
SB 191 – HB 1338 Amends 9-21-133 relative to balloon indebtedness. Enacts a new section at Title 9, Chapter 21, Part 4, relative to “heightened risk debt,” which is defined to include debt with a variable interest rate, an interest rate reset provision, or a put option allowing the holder to requirement repayment prior to the final maturity rate of the debt.
Effective July 1, 2025.
Public Chapter 250 County Sheriff's Civil Service Law of 1974
SB 532 – HB 437 Amends 8-8-402. Provides that a county that has adopted this part may rescind such adoption by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the county legislative body.
Effective April 24, 2025.
Public Chapter 253 GPS Monitoring
SB 601 - HB 580 Amends numerous sections relative to global positioning monitoring and the pretrial release of certain defendants.
Effective July 1, 2025.
Public Chapter 254 Juvenile Detention Facilities
SB 718 - HB 797 Enacts a new section in Title 37, Chapter 1, Part 1 to provide that in a county that has provided an approved detention facility to meet the needs for care of children under the jurisdiction of the juvenile court or detained by order of the juvenile court pending an investigation or hearing and disposition, the juvenile court is required to use and assume direct supervision, control, and direction of the approved detention facility as the primary detention facility for detention of juveniles under the court’s jurisdiction or arrange with a licensed institution, agency, or the department of children’s services to manage the facility or to receive temporary care and custody of children within the jurisdiction of the court.
Effective October 1, 2025.
Public Chapter 260 Governmental Tort Liability
SB 842 – HB 763 Amends 29-20-407. Deletes "governmental entities representing cities and counties" and substitutes "cities, counties, or other governmental entities as contemplated by this part".
Effective April 24, 2025.
Public Chapter 272 County Medical Examiner
SB 1146 – HB 1349 Amends 38-7-109. Requires the medical examiner's office (or regional forensic center) to ascertain and document current drug use, including psychotropic drugs, by a deceased individual who committed a mass shooting. Directs the University of Tennessee's health science center to study drug interactions between the psychotropic drugs and any other drugs present in the deceased individual's system. The county medical examiner, regional forensic center, department of health, and the health science center must follow all relevant state and federal privacy laws related to the implementation of this law.
Effective July 1, 2025.
Public Chapter 281 Juvenile Justice Review Commission
SB 444 - HB 501 Enacts a new Part 9 in Title 37, Chapter 3 to establish the Tennessee Juvenile Justice Review Commission in order to review a sampling of juvenile justice cases and to review any critical incidents involving delinquent juveniles in the custody of the department of children’s services for the purpose of providing the general assembly with findings and legislative recommendations that must address all stages of investigating and adjudicating juvenile justice cases.
Effective April 24, 2025.
Public Chapter 298 Restoration of Citizenship Rights
SB 407 - HB 445 Amends numerous sections to substantially revise the process for the restoration of citizenship rights.
Effective May 2, 2025.
Public Chapter 310 Clean Up of Highway Campsites
SB 217 – HB 197 Enacts a new section at Title 54, Chapter 5, Part 1 directing TDOT to implement a policy regarding the removal of personal property used for camping on the shoulder, berm or right-of-way of highways under its jurisdiction. As part of the policy, municipal and county governments must enter into MOUs to outline roles and responsibilities when addressing a camping removal site. Provides that TDOT must notify the legislature if a county or municipality fails to comply with the requirements in the law.
Effective May 2, 2025.
Public Chapter 336 Local Parks Land Acquisition Fund
SB 1276 – HB 125 Amends 67-4-409(i)(4)(A) to reduce the local match requirement for grants to 25% for counties designated as distressed or at-risk by the Appalachian Regional Commission.
Effective October 1, 2025.
Public Chapter 357 Real Estate Infrastructure Development Act of 2025
SB 26 – HB 636 Enacts a new part at Title 7, Chapter 84 to authorize the establishment of infrastructure development districts as an alternative method to funding infrastructure improvements.
Effective May 5, 2025.
Public Chapter 360 Meeting Agendas
SB 212 – HB 885 Amends 8-44-110 to require local governmental bodies that have a website to publish their agendas on the website. Expands the agenda publication requirement to planning commissions, boards of zoning appeals, public utility boards, industrial development corporations, housing authorities, airport authorities, county election commissions, and county budget committees.
Effective May 5, 2025.
Public Chapter 373 Ouster - District Attorney General
SB 655 – HB 1010 Amends 8-7-106(b). Provides that the district attorney general may, upon the consent of the district attorney general of any other judicial district, specially appoint another district attorney general, or an assistant to that district attorney general, to conduct specific proceedings under Title 8, Chapter 47, (ouster statutes), regarding removal of officers, which the district attorney general is authorized by law to conduct in that district.
Effective May 5, 2025.
Public Chapter 411 Electronic Participation in Meetings
SB 136 – HB 152 Amends 5-5-106 to authorize a county legislative body, by a two-thirds (2/3) vote, to opt into the electronic meeting participation provisions of the section. Once a county legislative body opts into the section, members may participate in meetings by electronic means, including videoconferencing or other web-based media. Members may only participate electronically for the following reasons: family or medical emergencies, military service, or inclement weather. Provides that legislative bodies may opt out of the section in the same manner they opted in. Requires that a physical quorum of members be present at the location of the meeting and provides that no more than twenty percent (20%) of members, not to exceed three (3), may participate in a particular meeting electronically. Limits members’ use of electronic participation to two (2) times per year.
Effective May 9, 2025.
Public Chapter 458 Dismantling DEI Departments Act
SB 1084 – HB 923 Amends Titles 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 49 to dismantle DEI programs. Provides that a county, city, metropolitan government or public institute of higher education of this state shall not use a discriminatory preference in an effort to increase diversity, equity, or inclusion or maintain an office, division, or department for such purposes. “Discriminatory preference” means a policy, practice, or requirement that grants or withholds opportunities, advantages or disadvantages based on race, ethnicity, sex, age, or any other demographic characteristic, rather than merit or other lawful criteria. The section shall not apply to the governmental entities listed above that submit a notice to the comptroller that compliance of this act would result in loss of federal funds. After one calendar year from the date the comptroller exempts the governmental entity, the governmental entity shall submit a notice in writing of the need to have the exemption renewed for another year. The governmental entity shall notify the comptroller within 14 days if the need for the exemption no longer exists.
Effective May 9, 2025.
Public Chapter 491 Professional Bondsmen
SB 1245 - HB 576 Amends numerous sections relative to professional bondsmen, including, but not limited to, approval, suspension, and licensure.
Effective January 1, 2026.
Public Chapter 500 Legal Notices
SB 760 – HB 773 Amends 1-3-120(f) to provide for the method of calculation of the rate for publication on the website. Further amends 1-3-120(f) to exempt legal notices required under 35-5-101 and 2-5-211.
Effective July 1, 2025.
Public Chapter 510 Nuisances
SB 1135 – HB 1050 Amends 29-3-101 to establish the conditions under which a prima facia nuisance per se is created. Amends 29-3-110 to add additional statutory damage provisions related to such nuisances. Amends 29-3-101 to add several additional definitions.
Effective July 1, 2025.
Public Chapter 514 AG Review of Local Government Action
SB 845 – HB 1097 Enacts a new section at Title 4, Chapter 1, Part 4, to authorize the Attorney General to review whether a local government action violates state law or the Constitution of Tennessee. Provides the process for resolution of the issue raised by the Attorney General or challenge of the Attorney General’s determination. Authorizes the commissioner of finance and administration to withhold all state funds allotted to the local government if the issue is not resolved or if the court finds against the local government.
Effective July 1, 2025, the public welfare requiring it, and applies to local government actions taken on or after that date and funds allocated or appropriated during or after the 2026-2027 fiscal year.
Public Chapter 521 Hurricane Helene Interest Payment Fund
SB 646 - HB 1278 Amends 9-4-215(b). Provides that the purpose of the Hurricane Helene interest payment fund is to pay local governments' loan charges and, for up to three (3) years, interest costs on money borrowed to pay eligible disaster recovery costs related to Hurricane Helene; provided, that moneys from the fund that are used to pay interest costs must only be paid up to five percent (5%) or the prime interest rate, whichever is lower; provided, further, that the local government is located in a county that was included in the federal disaster declaration resulting from Hurricane Helene. As used in this subsection (b), "loan charges" means charges, fees, and other costs associated with loan processing and servicing that are imposed by a lender, including origination fees, application fees, appraisal fees, payment processing fees, and brokerage fees.
Effective May 21, 2025.
Courts & Court Clerks
Public Chapter 079 Adoption Records
SB 1267 - HB 102 Amends numerous sections relative to adoption records. Details who may receive sealed adoption records upon request. Reduces from 21 to 18 the age at which certain adoption records must be made available. Amends procedures and expands access relative to records when a party is deceased.
Effective July 1, 2025.
Public Chapter 101 Trusts
SB 534 - HB 817 Amends numerous sections relative to trusts, including, but not limited to, provisions relative to notices, expenses, duties and power, breaches, and electronic records.
Effective July 1, 2025.
Public Chapter 179 Juvenile Case Management System
SB 992 - HB 1038 Amends 16-3-822 to require the AOC to maintain a criminal justice information services (CJIS) compliant centralized statewide juvenile case management system that will be integrated into the system developed pursuant to present law. The juvenile case management system must be made available to all juvenile court clerks, and the clerks must adopt and convert to the new system on a schedule to be determined in consultation with the AOC.
Effective April 11, 2025.
Public Chapter 246 Domestic Relations Jurisdiction
SB 406 - HB 361 Amends 36-3-601 to expand domestic relations jurisdiction under certain circumstances to a circuit court exercising criminal jurisdiction when the court is hearing a criminal matter involving a domestic abuse victim, sexual assault victim, or stalking victim.
Effective April 24, 2025.
Public Chapter 268 Expungements
SB 1257 - HB 1055 Amends numerous sections relative to expungement. Moves primary provisions relative to the expungement of dismissed offenses from 40-32-101 to 40-32-106. Moves primary provisions relative to the expungement of certain less serious convictions from 40-32-101 to 40-32-107 and 40-32-108.
Effective April 24, 2025.
Public Chapter 269 Ignition Interlock and Alternative Devices
SB 1097 - HB 1343 Amends 55-10-419 relative to functioning ignition interlock devices and alternative devices. Provides that the judicial test for indigency is applicable only to persons ordered to use an alternative device and adds the person’s investments as a factor that the court must consider. For a person who is ordered to use a functioning ignition interlock device, the act requires the state treasurer to deem the person indigent if the person is either qualified to receive or is receiving funds on the date the person was ordered to use the device from SNAP, TANF, or the state Medicaid program.
Effective April 24, 2025.
Public Chapter 292 Bullying
SB 170 - HB 1025 Amends 39-17-308 and 55-10-705 to provide that the punishment for bullying or cyberbullying includes the suspension of the minor’s driving privileges. Provides for a restricted driver license under certain circumstances.
Effective July 1, 2025.
Public Chapter 322 Economic Disadvantages
SB 560 - HB 347 Amends 36-1-113 and 37-1-102 to provide that economic disadvantage alone is not a ground for termination of parental rights or the basis for a finding of neglect.
Effective July 1, 2025.
Public Chapter 369 Optional Local DA Fee
SB 547 - HB 547 Enacts 40-3-106 to provide that a county may, by a two-thirds (2/3) vote, establish a new fee of twelve dollars and fifty cents ($12.50) in criminal cases to be used for providing support services for the purpose of promoting public safety at the sole discretion of the district attorney general for that county’s respective judicial district.
Effective May 5, 2025.
Public Chapter 386 Adoption of Siblings
SB 1005 - HB 1180 Amends 36-1-116 to provide that petitioners seeking to adopt siblings may include all the children in one petition to adopt and the court clerk shall only charge one filing fee.
Effective May 5, 2025.
Public Chapter 395 Accepting Bail Deposit
SB 1202 - HB 671 Amends 40-11-118 to provide that before accepting a bail deposit from a bondsman, the clerk must require the bondsman to initial each page of the bond order, indicating that the bondsman has read and is aware of any conditions of bond imposed on the defendant. The clerk must provide a copy of the initialed bond order to the bondsman and maintain a copy in the defendant’s file.
Effective July 1, 2025.
Public Chapter 396 Quarterly Bond Reports
SB 1237 - HB 785 Enacts 40-11-314 to provide that beginning October 25, 2025, each clerk of a court that admits defendants to bail pursuant to Part 1 of Chapter 11 must file a quarterly report, not later than January 25, April 25, July 25, and October 25 of each year, with the department of revenue detailing the total number of bonds accepted by the clerk from bondsmen and the total amount of the bonds accepted from bondsmen in the preceding quarter.
Effective July 1, 2025.
Public Chapter 414 Review of Juvenile Record When Setting Bond
SB 221 - HB 34 Amends 37-1-133 to provide that the disposition of a child and evidence adduced in a hearing in juvenile court must not be used against such child in any proceeding in any court other than a juvenile court, whether before or after reaching majority, except in: (1) Pretrial reports used to set bonds, if the juvenile court adjudication occurred within the previous five (5) years; (2) Dispositional proceedings after conviction of a felony for the purposes of a presentence investigation and report; (3) A proceeding pursuant to 39-17-1352; or (4) A criminal prosecution for a violation of the prohibition on purchasing or possessing firearm imposed under 37-1-190.
Effective May 9, 2025.
Public Chapter 417 Conservatorship Management Task Force
SB 233 - HB 634 Enacts a new section in Title 34, Chapter 3 to create the conservatorship management task force to study and report on conservatorships to the department of disability and aging and the AOC.
Effective May 9, 2025 for the purpose of appointing members.
Public Chapter 481 Cognitive Behavioral Training Courses
SB 300 - HB 371 Amends 40-32-302 to provide that a person convicted of a Class A misdemeanor in general sessions court shall be required to complete a cognitive behavioral training course unless the court deems such a requirement to be inappropriate. If incarceration is part of the person’s sentence, then the cognitive behavioral training course must be completed after the period of incarceration is completed. The offender must pay the cost of the course and, regardless of whether the defendant is indigent, the county is not required to pay the cost of the course. The offender must provide proof of course completion to the court or the court's designee within the time period specified by the court. An offender who willfully fails to complete the course or to provide proof of completion within the specified time period is in contempt of court and may be punished by confinement of up to ten (10) days. A county or municipality may provide an in-person cognitive behavioral training program; provided, however, that if such a program is offered, the county or municipality must also offer an online cognitive behavioral training program that complies with the requirements of the law.
Effective July 1, 2025 (applicable to offenses committed on or after that date).
Public Chapter 486 Clerk Fee Increase and Training Funds Bill
SB 409 - HB 487 Amends 8-21-401 to substantially revise and increase court clerk fees (primarily in civil cases). Increases civil fees each year for the next three years (generally flat fees per case around $50 the first year and $25 the following two years).
Effective January 1, 2026.
Public Chapter 511 Mental Health Evaluations
SB 944 - HB 1089 Amends numerous statutes to provide that the department of mental health and substance abuse services shall establish a mental health evaluation process to evaluate a defendant convicted of certain crimes. Provides that the court in which a person is convicted of any such offense is to order the offender to undergo a mental health evaluation prior to the sentencing hearing.
Public Chapter 515 Judicial Sales
SB 727 - HB 1127 Amends several sections in Title 35, Chapter 5, Part 1 relative to required notices/advertisement prior to any sale of land to foreclose a deed of trust, mortgage, or other lien securing the payment of money or other thing of value or under judicial orders. Along with other provisions, requires posting online by a third-party internet posting company.
Effective July 1, 2025.
Public Chapter 519 Incompetency
SB 963 - HB 1177 Amends 33-7-301 and 52-6-102 to increase to two years from the date of arrest the time within which misdemeanor charges against a defendant who has been found incompetent must be retired unless the defendant is restored to competency. Provides that when a defendant whose misdemeanor charges were retired due to a finding of incompetency is released into the community, the chief officer is required to: (1) Notify the court of the defendant’s discharge; and (2) Provide the court and the sheriff with an outpatient treatment plan that accounts for the safety of the community.
Effective July 1, 2025.
Public Chapter 520 Savanna’s Law
SB 324 - HB 1200 Enacts a new Part 4 in Title 40, Part 39 known as Savanna’s Law. Creates within the TBI a registry of persistent domestic violence offenders. Provides that if available after reasonable inquiry, the court clerk shall provide the TBI with a copy of the persistent domestic violence offender’s driver license, or other state or federal identification, and such other identifying data as the TBI determines is necessary to properly identify the persistent domestic violence offender and exclude innocent persons. If a court orders a defendant to register under this act, then the court clerk shall forward to the TBI a certified copy of the qualifying conviction and the date of birth of the defendant. The court clerk shall forward the information to the TBI within seven (7) days of the date of the conviction.
Effective January 1, 2026.
Economic Development
Public Chapter 353 Industrial Development Projects
SB 1271 – HB 1306 Amends 7-53-101 to revise the definition of a multifamily housing facility project and to add two additional “projects” to the definition—single family, condominium or townhome housing developments to be occupied in whole or in part by persons of low to moderate income, elderly, or handicapped persons and public infrastructure located within the municipality that created the industrial development corporation. Also amends 7-53-302(a)(4) to authorize projects for apartments for low to moderate income, elderly, or handicapped persons. Also amends 7-53-312 and 7-53-314 to authorize approval of amendments to economic impact plans and to specify that an additional public hearing for the amendment is not required. Also provides that minor amendments to clarify terms or correct errors may be approved by the corporation. Amends 7-53-316 relative to brownfield sites. Also amends 9-21-103 (balloon indebtedness) and 9-21-133 (tax increment financing).
Effective May 2, 2025.
Public Chapter 379 Industrial Development Corporations
SB 758 – HB 672 Amends 7-53-317(a)(2) relative to transfers of environmental remediation sites.
Effective May 5, 2025.
Public Chapter 442 Homebuyers’ Revolving Loan Program
SB 857 – HB 930 Amends 13-23-310 to add a new subsection providing that any participating county having made loans more than the amount of funds in the initial capitalization of the loan fund pool for the county may terminate its participation with notice to THDA and may retain all funds, including any funds used for initial capitalization or interest earnings on repayments.
Effective July 1, 2025.
Education
Public Chapter 007 Education Freedom Scholarship Act
SB 6001 - HB 6004 Amends Title 49, Chapter 6, to create the Education Freedom Scholarship Act which will be administered by the department of education. Provides a scholarship program for eligible students. With some exceptions, an eligible student is a resident of Tennessee who is entitled to attend public school. There are some income limitations. To be eligible, a family household income cannot exceed 300% of the income level to qualify for free or reduced lunches (about $175,000 for a family of four). For the 2025-2026 school year, the department will award a maximum of 20,000 scholarships with the proposed amount being $7,295. Scholarship funds may be used for tuition and fees for private schools; textbooks and other instructional materials; fees for transportation to and from school; fees for post-secondary opportunities or examinations; and educational therapy services. Unspent funds will remain in the recipient's account from one school year to another unless certain events occur as described in the act. As a condition to receiving a scholarship under this act, recipients in grades three through eleven must be tested with a nationally standardized achievement test that is aligned with the private school’s instructional plan, or the Tennessee comprehensive assessment program (TCAP). A private school that enrolls recipients is autonomous and is not an agent of the state. A scholarship awarded under this act is not paid directly to the recipient or recipient’s parent. Funds received under this act do not constitute taxable income of the parent or recipient. Scholarships will be denied to students that cannot establish lawful permanent residence in the United States. The state’s budget includes recurring funding for these scholarships.
Public Chapter 163 Paid Family Leave for Eligible Education Employees
SB 314 – HB 1150 Amends 8-50-814 to authorize eligible education employees to take paid leave for up to six weeks for the adoption of a child. Adoption includes the period of time beginning with the filing of the adoption petition and initial placement of a minor child in the home of the adoptive parents until the final order of adoption by the court.
Effective April 11, 2025.
Public Chapter 215 Parental Notification Of Safety Concerns At School
SB 946 – HB 1088 Amends Title 49, Chapter 6, Part 27. An LEA that receives, from a threat assessment team or any other source, credible information regarding a threat of violence or significantly disruptive behavior directed
Effective April 15, 2025.
Public Chapter 244 Searches On School Property
SB 0290 – HB 0764 Amends 49-6-4204 and 4205. Mandates that the search of lockers, vehicles, and other property, and the search of students may only be conducted by a: (A) School resource officer who is acting, for the purpose of the search, as a school official; (B) School security officer; or (C) School administrator who has completed training pursuant to 49-6-4212. If a student is under 18 years of age, then the principal must notify the student's parent or legal guardian within a reasonable time of the search.
Effective April 24, 2025, for the purpose of establishing the orientation and training program for LEAs.
Effective July 1, 2025, for all other purposes.
Public Chapter 256 Merit Based Pay for Educators
SB 259 – HB 759 Amends 49- 3-306 to allow a LEA to adopt and implement a merit-based pay structure for educators to reward high performers and to incentivize educators to meet and exceed expectations. A LEA may decline to award merit pay in any school year for which a LEA does not receive increased or additional state funds. A LEA is not required to supplement local expenditures for salaries in any year in order to continue merit pay an educator received in the prior year.
Effective April 24, 2025.
Public Chapter 288 Substitute Teacher License and Paid Family Leave
SB 1410 – HB 1253 Amends Title 49, Chapters 3 and 6, and 8-50-814 to provide that a substitute teacher substituting for a regular teacher on leave for less than 30 days in not required to have a teacher’s license. Requires each local board of education and public charter school governing bodies to adopt a policy that requires six weeks of paid leave. The leave must be taken consecutively, or non-consecutively under circumstances, but in increments no less than one week. The leave must be used within 12 months of the birth or stillbirth of the employee’s child or the employee’s adoption of a newly placed child.
Effective July 1, 2025.
Public Chapter 299 School Bus Driver Contracts and Insurance
SB 408 – HB 534 Amends 29-20-107(h) to provide that a governmental entity or board of education shall not extend immunity granted under this chapter to independent school bus contractors in performing school related transportation services. The contract between the board of education and school bus contractor must require sufficient limits of tort liability insurance. Evidence of such coverage may include a certificate of insurance that has the local board of education listed as an additional insured.
Effective May 1, 2025.
Public Chapter 315 Fire Drills In Schools
SB 346 – HB 453 Amends 68-102-137. Requires that fire drills requiring full evacuation in educational occupancies where such occupancies constitute the major occupancy of a building must be conducted no more than once every 30 school days. Two fire drills requiring full evacuation in educational occupancies where such occupancies constitute the major occupancy of a building must be conducted during the first 30 full school days of the school year. No more than 2 fire drills requiring full evacuation may be conducted during the 30 full school days of the school year. In addition to fire drills requiring full evacuation, four fire safety educational announcements must be conducted throughout the school year. The LEA shall develop the content of the announcements. A local government shall not adopt or enforce any ordinance, resolution, policy, code, or regulation that establishes a schedule for fire drills in educational occupancies that conflicts with this statute. Fire drills requiring full evacuation must be held at least once every 2 months in institutional occupancies where such occupancies constitute the major occupancy of a building. A record of all fire drills, including the time and date each drill was conducted, must be kept in the respective school or institutional offices and must be made available upon request to the state fire marshal or the state fire marshal's deputies or assistants for inspection and review.
Effective May 2, 2025.
Public Chapter 388 Public Charter Schools
SB 1018 – HB 997 Amends Title 49, Chapters 6 and 13 to provide that a county LEA or public charter school operating in a county LEA shall not charge registration fees, enrollment fees, or tuition for a student who resides in the county and who transfers to a public charter school from another LEA located in the same county. A student who resides in the county in which there is more than one LEA shall not be considered an out-of-district student for purposes of enrollment in a public charter school in the same county.
Effective May 5, 2025.
Public Chapter 448 School Safety - Window Film
SB 899 – HB 964 Amends 49-6-818. Provides that (1) If a public school building, including a public charter school building, is constructed or remodeled after July 1, 2023, but prior to July 1, 2025, then the building must have installed a clear entry-resistant film on the glass panel of each exterior entry or basement level window and door to prevent individuals from entering the school building without authorization by breaking the glass in an exterior entry or basement level window or door; and (2) If a public school building, including a public charter school building, is constructed or remodeled on or after July 1, 2025, then the building must have installed a clear window film or security glazing that meets a nationally recognized test standard for forced entry resistance, such as the ASTM F3561 test standard, for glazing systems of each exterior entry or door plus adjoining glazing and the secure interior vestibules serving as primary entrances to prevent individuals from entering the building without authorization.
Effective July 1, 2025.
Public Chapter 456 Education Funding for Public Charter Schools
SB 456 – HB 1163 Amends Title 49, Chapters 3 and 13 to provide that the funding a student generates from the Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement (TISA) Act must be allocated to the LEA except that the funding a student generates pursuant to subdivision (c)(3) of 49-3-105 must be maintained by the department, and the state share of funding a public charter school student generates for an LEA must be allocated to the LEA but must be disbursed directly to the public charter school by the department unless the public charter school is authorized by the commission or by the achievement school district in which case such funds must be disbursed to the commission or achievement school district. Payments of funds to the public charter school by the state must be recorded in the LEA’s financial records.
Public Chapter 527 Charter Counties
SB 1336 - HB 1383 Amends 49-2-201 to provide that charter counties may require elections for the board of education to be held at the same time and on the same election cycle as elections for members of the county legislative body (and have the same successive terms/term limits).
Effective May 21, 2025.
Elections
Public Chapter 249 Charter Amendments
SB 249 - HB 525 Amends 20-18-101 to require a three-judge panel to hear any civil action in which it is alleged that a proposed charter amendment ordinance that is to be submitted to qualified voters at an election is in violation of the Constitution or state law.
Effective April 24, 2025.
Public Chapter 259 Primary Elections
SB 799 - HB 855 Amends 2-13-202 to provide that except as provided below and in Part 3 of Title 2, Chapter 13 (presidential preference primaries and convention delegates), statewide political parties shall nominate their candidates in primary elections for all offices for which partisan elections are held at the regular August or regular November election. Provides that in a county in which a statewide political party nominated a candidate by a method other than a primary election for elections held in 2022 or 2024, the statewide political party in such county may continue to use such method, except for the following offices, which must be nominated by vote of the members of the party in primary elections at the regular August election: (A) Governor; (B) Members of the general assembly; (C) United States senator; and (D) Members of the United States house of representatives.
Effective April 24, 2025.
Public Chapter 350 Contributions
SB 1059 - HB 1073 Amends 2-10-102 to revise the definition of contribution for purposes of financial disclosures under the state’s campaign finance laws to include activity done independently of or in coordination with a candidate, candidate’s political campaign committee, or agent, as described in 2-10-303(5), related to the development, production, and use of canvassing literature and scripts to be used in a door-knocking campaign for a candidate’s election, including, but not limited to, the cost of paying canvassers to distribute the canvassing literature and reading the script at homes of potential voters, recording the answers to the scripted questions, and compiling and storing the data received as a result of the door-knocking campaign.
Effective May 2, 2025.
Public Chapter 371 Votes and Voters
SB 626 - HB 457 Amends numerous sections relative to elections, including, but not limited to, provisions relative to the counting of provisional ballots, voting machine requirements, voter address changes, supplemental registration, and the purging of registrations.
Effective May 5, 2025.
Public Chapter 394 Temporary Forms of ID Training
SB 1143 - HB 1283 Amends 2-4-108 to provide that the coordinator of elections shall include in the educational standards, created in subsection (a) of the statute, training on temporary forms of identification issued to non-United States citizens that may not be used as evidence of identification as set forth in 2-7-112(c).
Effective January 1, 2026.
Public Chapter 415 Campaign Finance
SB 229 - HB 653 Amends numerous sections relative to campaign finance, including, but not limited to, provisions relative to local elections that cover more than one county, political campaign committees, contribution exceptions, contribution statements and reports, investigation of campaign finance disclosures, acceptance of contributions after an election, removal of contribution limits on political campaign committees controlled by a political party, records of commission proceedings, and citizen complaints.
Public Chapter 434 Political Campaign Committees
SB 621 - HB 456 Amends 2-10-132 to provide that a corporation that uses corporate funds, moneys, or credits for communications expressly supporting or opposing the election or defeat of a clearly identified candidate or elected official, and such funds, moneys, or credits are not used with the cooperation or with the prior consent of, or in consultation with, or at the request of, or suggestion of, a candidate or elected official or any agent or authorized committee of the candidate or elected official, such corporation is considered a political campaign committee for purposes of reporting such expenditures.
Effective May 9, 2025.
Public Chapter 473 Verification of Voter Eligibility
SB 133 - HB 69 Enacts a new Part 4 in Title 2, Chapter 2 relative to verification of eligibility to vote. Provides for the creation of electronic portals through which the AOE may verify an applicant’s eligibility to vote based on citizenship and felony convictions.
Effective May 21, 2025.
Public Chapter 506 Lawful Donors
SB 1060 - HB 888 Enacts a new Part 5 in Title 2, Chapter 10 relative to political campaign committees and contributions from prohibited sources/foreign nationals. Authorizes the registry of election finance to bring a civil action to enforce the law. Provides that lawful donors to a tax-exempt organization possess a right of privacy in their donations. An investigation of an alleged violation of this act or a lawful court order in an action brought under 2-10-505 must occur in a manner that shields the identity of lawful donors. A state or local governmental entity, court, or officer of the court shall not collect or require the submission of information on the identity of any donor to a tax- exempt organization other than those directly related to an alleged violation of this act. A state or local governmental entity, court, or officer of the court shall not disclose to the public, or another government official not directly involved in the investigation, information revealing the identity of any donor to a tax-exempt organization, unless the information is regarding the identity of a donor that engaged in conduct prohibited by this act after a final determination has been made that the donor violated this act (a knowing or willful violation is punishable as a Class A misdemeanor).
Effective May 21, 2025.
Emergency Services
Public Chapter 106 Vehicles – Emergency Communication District
SB 1374 – HB 1118 Amends 55-9-402(d). Provides a motor vehicle operated by an emergency communication district that is marked as a mobile command vehicle or mobile communications vehicle may display flashing red or white lights or a combination of flashing red and white lights.
Effective March 28, 2025.
Public Chapter 153 Emergency Powers of the Governor
SB 27 – HB 324 Amends 58-2-107(a)(2) and (e)(1). Prohibits orders, proclamations, or rules issued by the governor under the governor's emergency management powers from contravening, suspending, or conflicting with a provision of the Tennessee Constitution; restricts governor's ability under such powers to suspend certain procedural provisions of a law, order, rule, or regulation.
Effective April 8, 2025.
Public Chapter 378 Ground Ambulance Service Providers
SB 747 – HB 171 Amends 71-5-1509. Extends the ground ambulance service annual assessment to June 30, 2026.
Effective May 5, 2025.
Public Chapter 413 Ambulance Service – TACIR Study
SB 160 – HB 83 Requires the Tennessee advisory commission on intergovernmental relations to study the economic impact on counties that are required to provide ambulance services, which counties provide services directly or franchise those services, which municipalities provide ambulance services, and whether policy changes may benefit the overall health and delivery of ambulance services in this state.
Effective May 9, 2025.
Public Chapter 422 Firefighters - Cancer
SB 288 – HB 482 Amends 7-51-201(d)(2)(A). Provides that Any firefighter desiring to utilize the presumption established in this law for prostate cancer, breast cancer, or pancreatic cancer, must obtain a physical medical examination after July 1, 2025, and the examination must include a cancer screening that fails to reveal any evidence of prostate cancer, breast cancer, or pancreatic cancer.
Effective July 1, 2025.
Public Chapter 475 Emergency Management Powers Of The Governor
SB 396 – HB 132 Amends 58-2-107. Provides that if the governor issues or extends an executive order or proclamation of a state of emergency under this section, then the general assembly may terminate such state of emergency by joint resolution of both houses.
Effective May 21, 2025.
Public Chapter 480 Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder In First Responders
SB 289 – HB 310 Amends 7-51-206. Creates a presumption that the diagnosis of a law enforcement officer or emergency medical responder with post-traumatic stress disorder as the result of responding to certain incidents was incurred in the line of duty for purposes of workers' compensation coverage.
Effective July 1, 2025.
Environmental
Public Chapter 399 Regulatory Fees and Coal Ash
SB 1274 - HB 124 Amends numerous statutes relative to state fees associated with environmental regulatory programs, the regulation of coal ash disposal, and the disposal of coal combustion residuals.
Effective May 5, 2025.
Public Chapter 429 Solid Waste Task Force
SB 438 - HB 667 Enacts a new section in Title 68, Chapter 211, Part 1 to create the advisory task force on solid waste to examine and review issues related to solid waste. The task force is to focus its examination on innovative processes for the disposition of solid waste.
Effective May 9, 2025.
Highways
Public Chapter 123 Speed Limits
SB 954 – HB 975 Amends 55-8-153 to authorize county legislative bodies to delegate the authority to lower speed limits on county roads to the chief administrative officer of the highway department (by resolution) if the highway department employs an engineer capable of completing engineering and traffic investigations and ensuring completion of the same. Requires engineering and traffic investigations to be performed in compliance with established engineering practices and the MUTCD.
Effective April 3, 2025.
Public Chapter 438 Transportation Funding Study
SB 703 – HB 736 Directs TACIR to conduct a study and prepare a report on recommendations for establishing sustainable funding sources that meet this state's future, long-term transportation infrastructure needs. Provides that the report should be completed on or before September 30, 2026.
Effective May 9, 2025.
Jails
Public Chapter 063 Collection of Biological Specimens for DNA Analysis
SB 371 – HB 341 Amends 40-35-321. Requires that the biological specimen must be gathered within 30 days of sentencing or, if the person's term of incarceration is less than 30 days, before completion of the person's term of incarceration. If a person convicted of any felony offense or any applicable misdemeanor offense and committed to the custody of the commissioner of correction for a term of imprisonment or sentenced to a period of confinement in a county jail or workhouse has not provided a biological specimen for the purpose of DNA analysis, then the commissioner or the chief administrative officer of a local jail shall order the person to provide a biological specimen for the purpose of DNA analysis within 30 days of sentencing or, if the person's term of incarceration is less than thirty 30 days, before completion of the person's term of imprisonment. The approved agency or entity collecting the biological specimen shall forward the biological specimen to the Tennessee bureau of investigation, which shall maintain it as provided in 38-6-113.
Effective July 1, 2025.
Public Chapter 077 Sentencing - Hemp-Derived Cannabinoids
SB 215 - HB 72 Amends 43-27-203(d). Establishes mandatory minimum penalties of 48 hours in jail and a $500 fine for a person convicted of knowingly selling or distributing a product containing a hemp-derived cannabinoid to a person who is under 21; prohibits a retailer from knowingly allowing an employee younger than 21 to access, handle, or sell any product containing a hemp-derived cannabinoid on the premises of the retail establishment.
Effective July 1, 2025.
Public Chapter 320 Electronic Monitoring For Work Release
SB 533 – HB 351 Amends 41-2-152(b). If the prisoner is released for paid employment, then the cost of the electronic monitoring device must be deducted from the prisoner's wages by the sheriff and paid directly to the electronic monitoring device provider by the county or state, as applicable. If a prisoner is released for unpaid work, then the entity utilizing the prisoner for work shall pay the costs of the electronic monitoring device. Deletes the language "beginning January 1, 2024,".
Effective July 1, 2025.
Public Chapter 418 Juvenile Detention Centers – TACIR Study
SB 239 – HB 40 Directs the Tennessee advisory commission on intergovernmental relations to study: (1) The current availability of local juvenile detention centers and other facilities for the housing and treatment of juveniles detained prior to an adjudicatory hearing, and whether there is a need for additional local juvenile detention centers or other facilities for the housing and treatment of juvenile offenders detained prior to an adjudicatory hearing; and (2) The current availability of housing and other treatment facilities for juvenile offenders who have been adjudicated delinquent and committed to the custody of the department of children's services, and whether there is a need for additional housing or other treatment facilities for those juvenile offenders.
Effective May 9, 2025.
Public Chapter 531 Housing State Prisoners – Reimbursement of Costs
SB 186 – HB 577 Amends 41-8-106(i)(3)(A). Increases the accreditation stipend provided to eligible counties for each convicted felon housed by the county, as follows: (1) From $3.00 per day to $6.00 per day, if the county has achieved tier 1 accreditation from the Tennessee Corrections Institute; and (2) From $6.00 per day to $12.00 per day, if the county has achieved tier 2 accreditation from the Tennessee Corrections Institute.
Effective July 1, 2025.
Law Enforcement
Public Chapter 055 License Plate Flippers
SB 296 - HB 300 Amends 55-10-210. A motor vehicle that is found with an installed license plate flipper may be seized or impounded by a law enforcement officer as evidence; provided, that the owner or operator of the motor vehicle, if present, must be provided the opportunity to promptly remove the license plate flipper if it can be removed safely. A law enforcement officer, in the officer's discretion, may direct the owner or operator of the motor vehicle to move the vehicle to a location that the officer designates for the safe removal of the license plate flipper. If the license plate flipper is removed, then the law enforcement officer may seize only the license plate flipper as contraband. If the motor vehicle is impounded, then the owner of the vehicle is responsible for payment of towing and impounding fees and reasonable costs to remove the license plate flipper.
Effective March 26, 2025.
Public Chapter 090 Eviction from Commercial Property
SB 292 - HB 216 Amends Title 29, Chapter 18, Part 1. Creates a legal process through which a person may request the immediate removal of an unlawful occupant of the person's commercial real property by filing a complaint with the sheriff for the county in which the property is located.
Effective July 1, 2025.
Public Chapter 157 LESTER Act
SB 228 – HB 537 Amends 55-4-138. Enacts the "Law Enforcement's Safer
Tennessee Electronic Registration (LESTER) Act.".
Provides that if a person displays proof of registration in an electronic format then the evidence must be accepted by law enforcement as proof of registration, unless: (1) The image is not clear enough for the officer to determine the information; or (2) The officer believes the image or the information contained in the image is fraudulent or inaccurate. An officer may require additional information to verify the validity of the electronic registration. If an officer cannot verify the validity of the electronic registration, then the officer is not required to accept the electronic registration. If a person displays the evidence in an electronic format the display is not consent for law enforcement to access any other contents of the electronic device.
Effective July 1, 2025.
Public Chapter 160 Claims Against Law Enforcement Officers
SB 280 – HB 1020 Amends Title 29, Chapter 34, Part 2. Provides that a law enforcement officer who causes property damage to or inflicts personal injury upon a person during the course of the law enforcement officer's official duties is immune from civil liability for or the payment of monetary damages resulting from the officer's actions if at the time the damage or injury occurred, the person suffering the injury or damage was engaged in conduct that resulted in the person being convicted of an offense under 39-16-602 (resisting stop, frisk, halt, arrest or search). Does not apply if the law enforcement officer's actions were grossly negligent or willful misconduct; or extend to property damage caused or injury inflicted upon a bystander or other person who was not engaged in conduct that resulted in a conviction under 39-16-602 at the time the damage or injury occurred.
Effective April 11, 2025.
Public Chapter 162 Child Forensic Interviews
SB 304 – HB 583 Amends 24-7-123. Permits the introduction into evidence of a video recording of a child victim being interviewed by a forensic interviewer regarding sexual or physically violent contact with the child if the forensic interviewer confirms the accuracy of the recording and the child is available for cross examination; includes forensic interviews conducted by a forensic interviewer who is employed by a federal agency and conducted the forensic interview in the course of investigating a federal crime.
Effective April 11, 2025.
Public Chapter 327 Reporting - DUI Arrests
SB 1166 – HB 1274 Amends Title 38, Chapter 6, Part 1. Requires the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation to provide a report to the speakers of the senate and the house of representatives on or before January 1, 2026, and each January 1 thereafter, detailing the instances in the most recent year for which complete data is available in which a person who was arrested for driving under the influence under 55-10-401 but where no alcohol or other intoxicants are detected in the person's blood or breath. The report must include the law enforcement agency that made the arrest. This section is repealed on July 1, 2029.
Effective May 2, 2025.
Public Chapter 352 Bail - List or Database of Fugitives
SB 1133 – HB 1256 Amends 40-11-139(d). If a court issues a bench warrant or a capias due to a defendant's failure to appear on a felony or on a Class A or Class B misdemeanor that is violent or sexual in nature as determined by the court, or if a defendant is charged with a failure to appear, then the defendant shall be placed on any available state or federal list or database as a fugitive from justice, including the National Crime Information Center. If necessary, the judicial official must sign the bench warrant or capias by the end of the next business day after the defendant's failure to appear. The clerk shall transmit the bench warrant or capias to the entering agency by the end of the next business day after issuance. The entering agency shall enter the bench warrant or capias into any available state or federal list or database, including the National Crime Information Center. A surety is not liable for any undertaking if the defendant has not been placed on the available state or federal list or database within 3 business days of the entering agency's receipt of the bench warrant or capias. If the defendant is apprehended outside the state by a law enforcement agency in a jurisdiction that is outside the limitation entered into the state or federal list or database, then the district attorney general must determine, within one business day of being notified of the apprehension, whether to initiate extradition proceedings for the defendant's return.
Effective July 1, 2025.
Public Chapter 354 Criminal Proceedings Notification System
SB 1314 – HB 1328 Amends 40-38-507 by deleting the language "as a pilot program". Deletes the sunset provision.
Effective May 2, 2025.
Public Chapter 391 Military Decorations
SB 1090 – HB 1164 Amends Title 38, Chapter 8, Part 1. Decorations or medals from the armed forces of the United States, the Tennessee national guard, or the state guard, or any service medals or badges awarded to the members of such forces, may be worn by uniformed law enforcement personnel during the week prior to Veterans Day and Memorial Day, the day of Veterans Day and Memorial Day, and the day immediately following Veterans Day and Memorial Day.
Effective May 5, 2025.
Public Chapter 403 DUI Breath and Blood Tests
SB 1400 – HB 1204 Amends 55-10-406(d)(4). If the operator is placed under arrest, requested by a law enforcement officer to submit to breath tests, blood tests, or both tests, advised of the consequences for refusing to do so, and refuses to submit, the operator shall be charged with violating the implied consent law. The operator's refusal is a violation of the implied consent law, even if the operator's blood sample is obtained pursuant to a search warrant, court order, exigent circumstances, or other lawful means.
Effective May 5, 2025.
Public Chapter 409 Refusing to Give Name to Law Enforcement Officer
SB 30 – HB 55 Amends Title 39, Chapter 16, Part 6. A law enforcement officer may ask a person to identify themselves· if the officer has reasonable suspicion to believe that the person has violated or is violating a state law or local ordinance. Pursuant to the law enforcement officer's reasonable suspicion, the officer may ask the suspect to provide the suspect’s name verbally or to otherwise provide the suspect's name by other means. A person commits an offense who intentionally gives a false or fictitious name to a law enforcement officer who has lawfully detained or arrested the person. A violation of this law is a Class C misdemeanor. A person's failure or inability to produce a physical form of identification or driver license to a police or peace officer requesting identification is not a violation.
Effective July 1, 2025.
Public Chapter 424 Human Smuggling
SB 392 – HB 322 Amends Title 39, Chapter 17, Part 1, by adding the following as a new section, 39-17-118. Creates the offense of human smuggling.
Effective July 1, 2025.
Public Chapter 428 Animal Cruelty
SB 433 – HB 76 Amends 39-14-202(a)(3) to provide that intentionally or knowingly abandoning an animal constitutes animal cruelty and it is not a defense to prosecution that the person abandoned the animal at or near an animal shelter, veterinary clinic, or other place of shelter if the person did not make reasonable arrangements for the care of the animal.
Effective July 1, 2025.
Public Chapter 462 Removing Or Disturbing Body At Scene Of Death
SB 1233 – HB 1232 Amends 38-1-102, by adding when a person appears to have died as the result of a drug overdose.
Effective July 1, 2025.
Public Chapter 466 Preventing Deepfake Images Act
SB 1346 – HB 1299 Amends Title 39, Chapter 1. Enacts the "Preventing Deepfake Images Act." In addition to criminal penalties creates a civil cause of action.
Effective July 1, 2025.
Public Chapter 468 Retaliation
SB 1399 – HB 1353 Amends 39-16-510. Provides that a person commits an offense who harms or threatens to harm an individual involved in the judicial process or a family member of such person with the intent to impede, intimidate, interfere with, or retaliate against the individual in connection with the individual's participation in the judicial process.
Effective July 1, 2025.
Public Chapter 491 Board of Professional Bondsmen - Lists
SB 1245 – HB 576 Amends Title 40, Chapter 11, Part 3. Creates the Board of Professional Bondsmen. One member will be a sheriff.
Effective January 1, 2026.
Public Chapter 516 Constables – In-Service Training
SB 1065 – HB 1128 Amends 8-10-104. Provides that a constable shall not exercise any law enforcement powers and authority conferred upon the constable by 8-10-108, 39-17-1315, 39-17-1350, 40-6-210, 40-6-212, 55-8-152, 57-9-101, 57-9-103, and 57-9-201, if the constable fails to complete the in-service education requirements described in Title 8, Chapter 10, Part 2. A constable who violates this law commits a Class C misdemeanor, subject to a fine only. Each day of a violation of this section constitutes a separate offense.
Effective May 21, 2025.
Public Chapter 522 Mass Violence
SB 1296 – HB 1314 Amends Title 39, Chapter 13, Part 8. Creates the criminal offense of threatening to commit an act of mass violence.
Effective July 1, 2025.
Personnel
Public Chapter 194 Payment of Wages of Deceased Employee
SB 1127 – HB 755 Amends 30-2-103(b) to require an employer to pay any wages owed to a deceased employee directly to the surviving spouse of a decedent or to the surviving children. All sums paid under subsection (b) must be charged against the elective share, homestead allowance, and year’s support allowance as applicable. If a minor is entitled to receive payment under subsection (b), the payment must be made to the guardian/custodian for the child’s benefit.
Effective April 11, 2025.
Public Chapter 243 Employees in Military Service
SB 279 – HB 344 Amends 8-33-101 by adding the following new definition: "Working day" means the number of hours an employee is scheduled to work in a twenty-four-hour period.
Effective April 24, 2025.
Public Chapter 471 Public Chapter 471 Discrimination Complaints and Investigations
SB 861 – HB 910 Amends Titles 4, 8, and 68 to transfer the investigation of discrimination complaints related to employment, housing, and public accommodation from the Tennessee Human Rights Commission to the Attorney General. Abolishes the Tennessee Human Rights Commission effective July 1, 2025.
Effective May 12, 2025.
Public Chapter 494 Dismantle DEI and Hiring Practices
SB 1083 – HB 622 Amends Titles 5, 6, 7, 8, and 49 to dismantle DEI hiring practices. Provides that a county, city, metropolitan government, local education agency, public institution of higher education and state shall not base a hiring decision on race, ethnicity, sex, age, or any other similar demographic characteristic rather than on individual merit, veteran status, or lawful eligibility criteria. The section shall not apply to the governmental entities listed above that submit a notice to the comptroller that compliance of this act would result in loss of federal funds. After one calendar year from the date the comptroller exempts the governmental entity, the governmental entity shall submit a notice in writing of the need to have the exemption renewed for another year. The governmental entity shall notify the comptroller within 14 days if the need for the exemption no longer exists.
Effective May 21, 2025.
Planning And Zoning
Public Chapter 230 Regulation of Borrow Pits
SB 915 – HB 1129 Enacts a new subsection at 54-1-128 to provide that the restrictions on borrow pits under subdivisions (b)(1)(A), (D) and (E) do not apply to temporary borrow pits used for a road work construction project performed in a FEMA-certified county under a contract for construction work entered into with the state that is part of a state or local Hurricane Helene recovery effort. Defines “FEMA–certified county” as a county included in a declaration made on or after September 26, 2024, and prior to October 3, 2024, for a disaster certified by the federal emergency management agency (FEMA). Provides that the new subsection (e) expires on June 30, 2039.
Effective April 21, 2025.
Public Chapter 332 Development Districts
SB 751 – HB 35 Amends 13-14-111 to provide for a per capita assessment and corresponding state funding level for each of the nine development districts.
Public Chapter 363 Boards of Zoning Appeals
SB 365 – HB 317 Amends 13-7-106(b)(5) to add property rights and constitutional rights to the list of subjects for training and continuing education. Amends 13-7-106(b)(9) to remove the option for legislative bodies to opt out of the continuing education requirements for boards of zoning appeals. Also amends 13-7-107 to provide for specific rules of procedure that must be adopted for boards of zoning appeals. Also amends 13-7-108 to require grants or denial of a building permit be in writing and include information of the right to appeal the decision to the board of zoning appeals. Amends 13-7-109 to enact a new subsection requiring the board to inform parties of their right to seek judicial review of the board’s decisions pursuant to Title 27, Chapter 9. Also amends various sections in Title 13, Chapter 7, Part 2, relative to municipal zoning.
Effective July 1, 2025.
Public Chapter 440 Vested Rights
SB 773 – HB 735 Amends 13-3-401 and 13-4-301 to add a definition of “submission.” Also amends 13-3-413 and 13-4-310 to provide the vesting period applicable to development plans approved by local governments or building permits issued by local governments must not expire earlier than three (3) years following the later of the date on which the appeal period for challenging such approval or issuance has expired or the date on which all appeals of such approval or issuance have been exhausted.
Effective July 1, 2025.
Public Chapter 465 Vested Rights
SB 1313 – HB 1326 Amends 13-3-413(b) to provide that a vested property right is established upon submission of a complete application rather than approval of the application. Provides that to acquire a vested right under this subsection, the applicant’s plan or building permit must substantially comply with the requirements set forth in the local development ordinances and regulations. Also amends 13-3-413(c) relative to the vesting period for building permits and development plans. Amends 13-3-413(d) and (f) to replace “approval” with “submission.” Amends 13-3-413(e) to provide that if a local government has not adopted an ordinance or resolution pursuant to this section specifying substantial compliance that would trigger a vested property right, then rights shall vest upon the submission of any plan, plat, drawing, or sketch, however denominated, that is substantially similar to any plan, plat, drawing, or sketch described in subdivision (k)(5) or (k)(6). Amends 13-4-310 to make similar changes for municipal planning.
Effective July 1, 2025.
Purchasing
Public Chapter 098 Out-of-State Cooperative Purchasing
SB 509 - HB 546 Amends 12-3-1205(b)(4)(B). Allows a county to enter into an out-of-state cooperative agreement for the purchase of materials used in the operation of a county utility system; and materials, labor, and services used for maintenance, operations, component replacement, or repairs of existing facilities and grounds owned or operated by a local education agency or by a local government agency.
Effective March 28, 2025.
Public Chapter 260 Purchase of Insurance
SB 842 – HB 763 Amends 29-20-407 to authorize any governmental entity to purchase insurance authorized by Title 29, Chapter, 20, Part 4, without public bidding if the insurance is purchased through a plan authorized by any organization of cities, counties, or other governmental entities.
Effective April 24, 2025.
Public Chapter 381 Brokerage Services in 1957 Counties
SB 848 – HB 935 Amends Titles 5 and 12 to authorize a county legislative body in a 1957 county to use the competitive bid process for insurance brokerage services if the county self-insures.
Effective May 5, 2025.
Records
Public Chapter 280 Additional Residential Information
SB 425 – HB 66 Prior to this act, the residential address of a county employee held by the county in its capacity as an employer was confidential. This act amends 10-7-504 to provide that in addition to the residential address held by the county in its capacity as an employer, the city, state and zip code for the employee shall also be confidential.
Effective April 24, 2025.
Public Chapter 392 Public Record Exception Sunset
SB 1114 – HB 1293 Amends 10-7-503 to remove the sunset on the existing provision that allows a records custodian under certain circumstances to petition a court of record for an order to temporarily enjoin a person from making records requests if the person is making multiple requests to view or copy a public record with the intent to disrupt government operations.
Effective May 5, 2025.
Register Of Deeds
Public Chapter 104 Electronic Recordings
SB 1230 – HB 1039 Amends 47-10-118, 66-24-203, and 66-24-204 to restrict electronic recordings in the registers of deeds office to certain persons, including licensed attorneys, banks, savings and loans associations, credit unions, federally chartered lending institutions, instrumentalities of the federal government, persons licensed to make regulated loans, licensed title insurance companies or agents, or governmental entities. Provides that the register may refuse electronic documents submitted by persons other than those authorized to submit such documents. Provides that compliance is the responsibility of the electronic filing vendor. Also provides that electronic filing vendors are responsible for any damages resulting from noncompliance.
Effective July 1, 2025.
Public Chapter 171 UCC Financing Statements
SB 544 – HB 1342 Amends 47-9-513(e), relative to petitions to challenge financing statements filed against public officials, to revise certain procedures required to be undertaken by the filing office (which could be the register of deeds or the secretary of state).
Effective April 11, 2025.
Public Chapter 178 Legal Descriptions by Surveyors
SB 980 – HB 480 Enacts a new section at Title 66, Chapter 5, Part 1, to require legal descriptions of property contained within a deed of conveyance of property not previously described in a recorded instrument to be prepared by a registered land surveyor. Exempts deeds of conveyance prepared by or for a governmental department or agency.
Effective April 11, 2025.
Retirement
Public Chapter 159 Separation of Service
SB 251 – HB 313 Amends 8-36-805 to require a bona fide separation of service prior to a retiree returning to a position covered by the retirement service. Provides that for a member whose effective date of retirement was in fiscal years 2022-2023, 2023-2024, or 2024-2025, with the state fiscal year being from July 1 to June 30, if the retirement system discovers that the member did not have a bona fide separation of service, then the member must be treated as receiving an in-service distribution and the retirement system must make any required tax reporting changes to reflect the in-service distribution in prior years. After July 1, 2025, the identified members may be temporarily reemployed after a bona fide separation of service.
Effective July 1, 2025 (provisions relative to teachers effective January 1, 2025).
Public Chapter 289 China
SB 542 – HB 805 Enacts 9-4-1501 and -1502 to require a local government to divest its political subdivision pension plan from investments it has in a company known to be majority-owned by China.
Effective April 24, 2025.
Public Chapter 341 Fairness in Benefits Act
SB 8 – HB 550 Enacts a new section in Title 8, Chapter 36, Part 1 to require an employer participating in TCRS to allow the dissemination of materials by a private entity regarding the entity’s alternative retirement plans and life contracts.
Effective May 2, 2025.
Public Chapter 367 Retirement/Benefit Changes
SB 510 – HB 535 Amends numerous sections relative to retirement and benefits, including, but not limited to, provisions relative to employer matches, part-time employment, teachers, becoming a member as a condition of employment, excluded programs, deferred compensation plans, contributions, prior-credit, school boards, purchasing agents, administrator of elections, hybrid plans, overpayments, optional retirement allowances, mandatory distributions, and rollover eligibility.
Effective May 5, 2025.
Public Chapter 383 Supplemental Bridge Benefits
SB 953 – HB 977 Amends 8-36-211 to authorize the adoption of a supplemental bridge benefit for members covered by mandatory retirement provisions.
Effective May 5, 2025.
Taxes
Public Chapter 285 Mineral Severance Tax
SB 889 – HB 695 Amends 67-7-203(a) to authorize the county legislative body to enact a tax on the severance of sand, gravel, sandstone, chert, or limestone from the earth within the jurisdiction at the following rates: (1) For a tax period that begins prior to July 1, 2025, fifteen cents (15¢) per ton; (2) For a tax period that begins on or after July 1, 2025, and prior to July 1, 2030, twenty cents (20¢) per ton; (3) For a tax period that begins on or after July 1, 2030, and prior to July 1, 2035, twenty-five cents (25¢) per ton; and (4) For a tax period that begins on or after July 1, 2035, and for subsequent tax periods, thirty cents (30¢) per ton. Deletes 67-7-201(b).
Effective April 24, 2025.
Public Chapter 501 Population Estimates for Tax Distributions
SB 875 – HB 780 Amends numerous statutes to provide that the department of economic and community development shall revise and certify the population of each county and municipality, and the aggregate population of the state, prior to July 1 each year during the interim between the regular decennial federal census for purposes of ensuring equitable allocation and distribution of moneys to counties and municipalities (including certain taxes under Title 4, Title 54, Title 55, Title 57 and Title 67). The Boyd Center for Business and Economic Research at the University of Tennessee, through the Tennessee state data center, shall generate annual population estimates for each county and municipality and provide the estimates to the department of economic and community development for review and certification.
Effective January 1, 2026.
Taxation – Hotel/Motel
Public Chapter 364 Hotel/Motel Tax
SB 384 – HB 405 Amends 67-4-1404(b) to provide that when a person has maintained occupancy for more than 30 continuous days, the operator shall remit the tax for such time to the city or county, and stop collecting the tax from the person for the remainder of their stay. The act applies to rental agreements entered into, renewed, or amended on or after July 1, 2025.
Effective May 5, 2025.
Public Chapter 372 Hotel/Motel Tax
SB 629- HB 627 Defines tourism development, tourism promotion, and tourist. Taxes collected cannot be used for general government expenditure unless approved through a memorandum of understanding between the governing body and the marketing entity. Requires a county to provide an annual written report that details expenditures of the tax and how those expenditures were used for tourism promotion and tourism development to the department of tourism. If an audit finds that hotel/motel tax has been used for a purpose other than tourism promotion or tourism development, then the county shall appropriate an amount equal to the amount spent for tourism promotion and tourism development from the general fund. After the effective date of this act, the tax shall not exceed 8% in the incorporated area of the county. Subject to 67-4-1414, a hotel/motel levied or authorized before May 1, 2025, that exceeds the tax limit of 8% remains in full-force and effect.
Effective May 5, 2025.
Taxation – Property
Public Chapter 138 Agricultural, Forest and Open Space Land Act
SB 247 – HB 297 Amends 67-5-1005(a)(1). Provides that property that is qualified as agricultural, owned by two (2) individuals, and held under the titles of tenancy by the entireties or of joint tenancy with right of survivorship, is deemed to have unchanged ownership upon the death of an owner if the property is retained by the other owner through a right of survivorship or upon the divorce of the owners if the property is retained by either owner through division and distribution of property in the divorce proceeding.
Effective April 3, 2025.
Public Chapter 498 Emergencies and Disasters
SB 782 – HB 726 Amends Title 67, Chapter 5, Part 6. Extends from January 28, 2025, to April 15, 2025, the date by which an assessor must have determined that property was destroyed or damaged by a qualified disaster in order for the owner to be eligible for a direct payment from the Comptroller of the Treasury.
Effective May 21, 2025.
Utilities
Public Chapter 078 Municipal Energy Authorities
SB 772 – HB 100 Amends 7-36-110 relative to compensation of board members.
Effective March 28, 2025.
Public Chapter 166 Training and Continuing Education
SB 380 – HB 421 Amends 7-82-307 to provide for a reinstatement process for utility district commissioners who become ineligible due to failing to meet training and education requirements. Amends several sections to reduce training and education requirements.
Effective April 11, 2025.
Public Chapter 170 Borrowing
SB 518 – HB 561 Amends numerous sections to authorize several utilizes/authorities to borrow money in anticipation of the collection of revenues and issue negotiable notes to evidence such borrowing for the purpose of providing emergency cash flow under certain conditions. Amends 7-82-307 relative to removal of a member of a governing body.
Effective July 1, 2025.
Public Chapter 205 Clean Energy
SB 884 – HB 1143 Amends several sections relative to green energy and energy projects. Amends 7-51-2403 to provide that a political subdivision that through ordinance, resolution, or other regulation imposes requirements or expectations related to the source of clean or green energy or renewable energy used by a public utility must include certain sources of energy as permissible sources.
Effective July 1, 2025.
Public Chapter 229 Subsurface Sewage Disposal Application Review
SB 883 – HB 1137 Amends 68-211-403 to provide that certain applications be reviewed no later than ten (10) business days after receipt.
Effective April 21, 2025.
Public Chapter 283 Municipal Energy Authority
SB 970 – HB 660 Amends 7-36-107 to provide that except to the extent modified by the authority’s certificate of incorporation, the board of directors of the authority may, as part of the transfer of a water and wastewater system or at any time thereafter, adopt and assume all or any portion of such regulatory powers, authority, duties, obligations, and oversight over the water and wastewater operations as were applicable to the municipal water and wastewater system pursuant to ordinances, resolutions, or other rules or policies that were in effect immediately prior to the transfer of such system to the authority. The board of directors of the authority may later amend such rules, regulations, and requirements from time to time; provided, that such amendments are just and reasonable.
Effective April 24, 2025.
Public Chapter 461 Sewerage Service Outside Cities
SB 1138 – HB 543 Amends Title 7, Chapters 35 and 82 to provide that a city/town or utility district that has operated a sewerage system outside of the corporate boundaries of the city/town (or for a utility district in the unincorporated territory of the county) for twenty-five (25) years or more shall not cease operating the sewerage system in such areas so long as the sewerage system maintains sufficient capacity to continue to provide sewerage service in such areas, as determined by a study, report, or other information and evidence presented to the Tennessee board of utility regulation.
Effective May 9, 2025.
Public Chapter 490 Installation of Utility Infrastructure
SB 1139 – HB 542 Enacts a new Part 26 in Title 7, Chapter 51 to allow a customer of utility or person submitting a plan of development to the utility the option to use an approved contractor or approved contractors of the customer’s choosing for the installation of the utility infrastructure.
Effective July 1, 2025.
- PART II – PUBLIC ACTS OF LOCAL APPLICATION
DAVIDSON
PUBLIC CHAPTER 120
SB 734 – HB 824Hotel/Motel Tax
Amends 7-4-202 to provide that Davidson County may continue to charge an additional $0.50 in hotel/motel tax until May 21, 2026. Extends the term of committee members that oversee the funds derived from the additional $0.50 to May 21, 2026.
Effective March 24, 2025.
HAMBLEN
PUBLIC CHAPTER 384
SB 981 – HB 620Convenience Voting
Amends 2-3-302 to authorize participation in the convenience voting center pilot project.
Effective May 5, 2025.
HAMILTON
PUBLIC CHAPTER 061
SB 320 – HB 823Sports Authority – Alcoholic Beverages
Amends 57-4-102(37)(A)(iv). Prohibits a facility located in Hamilton County from being issued a license after March 1, 2030, and requires the law enforcement agency that has jurisdiction over a sports authority facility located in Hamilton County to provide an annual report to the general assembly, on or before January 1, detailing any public safety issues related to the facility, including instances of driving under the influence, public intoxication, and vandalism.
Effective March 25, 2025.
PUBLIC CHAPTER 503
SB 1381 – HB 783Regulation of Sober Living Homes
Enacts a new part at Title 7, Chapter 51, to authorize Hamilton County to enact certain regulations for sober living homes.
Effective May 21, 2025.
KNOX
PUBLIC CHAPTER 221
SB 274 – HB 307Charter Counties – Constitutional Officers
Amends 5-1-202. Revises the provision that provides that the offices of sheriff, register, county clerk, trustee, and assessor of property are constitutional officers of the county to also provide that such offices may also be charter officers of the county. Sets forth duties of the sheriff, register, county clerk, trustee, and assessor of property.
Provides that the sheriff is responsible for maintaining the county's jails.
Effective April 21, 2025.
LAKE
PUBLIC CHAPTER 443
SB 863 – HB 799Reelfoot Lake Guide Licenses
Amends Title 11 and 70 to require the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission to create and issue a waterfowl guide license for guides at Reelfoot Lake, located in Lake and Obion Counties and promulgate rules in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act.
Effective May 9, 2025.
MONTGOMERY
PUBLIC CHAPTER 489
SB 505 – HB 524Veterans Treatment Court Transfer
Enacts a new section in Title 16, Chapter 6, Part 1 to authorize a defendant in a contiguous county to file a motion to transfer the defendant's criminal case to the veterans treatment court program in Montgomery County.
Effective May 21, 2025.
OBION
PUBLIC CHAPTER 443
SB 863 – HB 799Reelfoot Lake Guide Licenses
Amends Title 11 and 70 to require the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission to create and issue a waterfowl guide license for guides at Reelfoot Lake, located in Lake and Obion Counties and promulgate rules in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act.
Effective May 9, 2025.
SHELBY
PUBLIC CHAPTER 221
SB 274 – HB 307Charter Counties – Constitutional Officers
Amends 5-1-202. Revises the provision that provides that the offices of sheriff, register, county clerk, trustee, and assessor of property are constitutional officers of the county to also provide that such offices may also be charter officers of the county. Sets forth duties of the sheriff, register, county clerk, trustee, and assessor of property.
Provides that the sheriff is responsible for maintaining the county's jails.
Effective April 21, 2025.
SULLIVAN
PUBLIC CHAPTER 316
SB 357 – HB 335Utility Districts
Amends 7-82-308 relative to payments to utility district board members.
Effective July 1, 2025.
- PART III – Private Acts
BEDFORD
Private Chapter 3
SB 1427 - HB 1405Highway Department
Enacts Private Acts of 2025, Chapter 3. Abolishes the Bedford County road board after the expiration of the members' current terms.
Effective upon approval by a 2/3 vote of the county legislative body.
CHESTER
Private Chapter 8
SB 1438 - HB 1415Motor Vehicle Privilege Tax
Enacts Private Acts of 2025, Chapter 8. Repeals Private Acts of 1972, Chapter 234. Enacts a motor vehicle privilege tax in the amount of $65.35 per motor vehicle per year.
Effective upon approval by a 2/3 vote of the county legislative body.
FAYETTE
Private Chapter 7
SB 1428 - HB 1406Motor Vehicle Privilege Tax
Amends Private Acts of 2000, Chapter 116. Requires the county clerk rather than the county court clerk to collect the county wheel tax and keep the fee associated with the issuance of the motor vehicle license upon payment of the tax.
Effective upon approval by a 2/3 vote of the county legislative body.
HARDEMAN
Private Chapter 11
SB 1437 - HB 1411Budget System
Amends Private Acts of 1937, Chapter 68. Provides that it is the duty of the School Board on or before the first Monday in May of each year to prepare and file with the Budget Committee an itemized statement of budget.
Effective upon approval by a 2/3 vote of the county legislative body.
Private Chapter 25
SB 1456 - HB 1434Budget System
Amends Private Acts of 1937, Chapter 68. Increases, from 85 percent to 92 percent, the assumed property tax collection rate in setting the general tax rate for the county general fund and creating a county budget that covers expenditures for the next appropriation year.
Effective upon approval by a 2/3 vote of the county legislative body.
HENRY
Private Chapter 4
SB 1433 - HB 1412Nursing Home
Repeals Private Acts of 1961, Chapter 158. Repeals the authority of Henry County to operate a nursing home.
Effective upon approval by a 2/3 vote of the county legislative body.
Private Chapter 5
SB 1436 - HB 1414Henry County Hospital District
Amends Private Acts of 1953, Chapter 176. Authorizes the county commission to appoint a minimum of three and a maximum of seven members to the board of trustees for the Henry County Hospital District and reduces the frequency of regular meetings of the board of trustees from monthly to quarterly.
Effective upon approval by a 2/3 vote of the county legislative body.
KNOX
Private Chapter 6
SB 1434 - HB 1410Tenn Technology Corridor Development Authority
Repeals Private Acts of 1983, Chapter 148. Repeals the Tennessee Technology Development Authority Act.
Effective upon approval by a 2/3 vote of the county legislative body.
LAUDERDALE
Private Chapter 16
SB 1446 - HB 1423Probate and Juvenile Court
Amends Private Acts of 1982, Chapter 313. Requires the county commission of Lauderdale County to take such steps as necessary and appropriate for the orderly relocation of the probate and juvenile court of Lauderdale County to the justice complex.
Effective upon approval by a 2/3 vote of the county legislative body.
MONTGOMERY
Private Chapter 14
SB 1441 - HB 1419General Sessions Court
Enacts Private Acts of 2025, Chapter 14. Creates a fifth division of the General Sessions and Juvenile Courts of Montgomery County.
Effective upon approval by a 2/3 vote of the county legislative body.
MORGAN
Private Chapter 10
SB 1463 - HB 1440County Attorney
Amends Private Acts of 1951, Chapter 467. Establishes that the county attorney shall be a licensed practicing attorney who is appointed or hired subject to a vote of the Morgan County Commission to serve a term of four years. The County Attorney does not need to be a resident of Morgan County to serve as county attorney.
Effective upon approval by a 2/3 vote of the county legislative body.
PUTNAM
Private Chapter 19
SB 1447 - HB 1427General Sessions Court
Amends Private Acts of 1949, Chapter 125. Sets the salary of general session court judges at an amount equal to the amount received annually by the circuit court judges and chancellors as of September 1, 2030.
Effective upon approval by a 2/3 vote of the county legislative body.
TIPTON
Private Chapter 15
SB 1442 - HB 1421Litter Abatement
Enacts Private Acts of 2025, Chapter 15. Establishes requirements for litter abatement and control in Tipton County.
Effective upon approval by a 2/3 vote of the county legislative body.
WAYNE
Private Chapter 24
SB 1449 - HB 1433Motor Vehicle Privilege Tax
Repeals Private Acts of 2004, Chapter 75. Repeals the Wayne County wheel tax.
Effective upon approval by a 2/3 vote of the county legislative body.
WILSON
Private Chapter 9
SB 1444 - HB 1418Tenth School District of Wilson County
Amends Private Acts of 1901, Chapter 99. Transfers control and governance of the Tenth Special School District of Wilson County from a board of directors and commissioners composed of three members to a Board of Education composed of five members.
Effective upon approval by a 2/3 vote of the county legislative body.