Senators promote agriculture and advance important legislation to protect children, improve public safety and support first responders
NASHVILLE, TN – This week was highlighted by the promotion of Tennessee’s number one industry - Agriculture. Ag Day on the Hill brought together over 600 farmers, industry leaders, and policymakers to celebrate Tennessee’s largest economic sector while advocating for the future of agriculture. Meanwhile, the Senate Judiciary Committee advanced bills aimed at expanding legal protections for those seeking medical assistance for alcohol-related overdose, combating AI-generated child pornography, and requiring state entities to only reference biological sex. Additionally, the Senate passed legislation to strengthen laws against organized retail crime, support virtual education.
Tennessee lawmakers and agriculture leaders gather for Ag Day on the Hill
More than 600 people gathered on the Beth Harwell Plaza to celebrate Ag Day on the Hill, an annual event highlighting the importance of agriculture in Tennessee. The event featured participation from key agricultural organizations, including the Tennessee Farm Bureau, the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, Pick Tennessee Products, and university schools of agriculture.
“Agriculture is the number one industry in Tennessee, and it’s essential we do all we can as a state to support our hard-working farmers,” said Senator Shane Reeves, Chairman of the Senate Energy, Agriculture, and Natural Resources Committee. “It’s always inspiring to see farmers, industry leaders, and the next generation of agricultural professionals come together in support of this important industry.”
FFA and 4-H members showcased their award-winning animals and advocated on behalf of agriculture education. Attendees also heard from Governor Bill Lee and Commissioner Charlie Hatcher before watching Senator Shane Reeves (R-Murfreesboro), Senator Page Walley (R-Savannah), and Senator Adam Lowe (R-Calhoun) compete in a corn shelling competition.
Ag Day on the Hill celebrates Tennessee’s diverse agricultural industry, which spans the entire state. Each year, the event brings together farmers, policymakers, and advocates to honor the industry’s impact and future.
Legislation advances to crack down on AI-generated child pornography
In a move to combat child pornography, the Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously passed Senate Bill 741 this week. Sponsored by Senator Ken Yager (R-Kingston), this bill aims to take a strong stand against the Artificial Intelligence (AI) enabled technology and software that creates pornographic material of minors. Under the bill, it becomes a criminal offense to possess, distribute, or produce any technology or software specifically designed to create or facilitate the creation of AI-generated child pornography.
“The rise in AI use and advancements has unfortunately enabled bad actors to abuse the technology and exploit images of children to create AI-generated pornography,” said Yager. “This legislation is important because it will allow law enforcement to crack down on the criminals engaging with such heinous content and protect children from abuse and exploitation.”
Possession of these tools would be classified as a Class E felony, while distribution would be considered a Class C felony, and producing the illicit material using these tools would be a Class B felony. The bill outlines specific factors that courts must consider when determining whether a tool falls under this prohibition.
The bill does not seek to ban technology or software in general. Instead, it specifically targets tools and software designed with the intent to create child sexual abuse material. This ensures that legitimate uses of technology remain unaffected.
Senate Bill 741 will now go to the Senate Floor for final consideration.
Legislation seeks to require state entities only reference biological sex
The Senate Judiciary Committee passed Senate Bill 936 this week to clearly define that male and female means a person’s biological sex. Sponsored by Senator Paul Rose (R-Covington), the bill requires government entities to follow the natural definition of male and female by July 1, 2025.
“We have a real issue in our nation,” said Rose. “It’s so important that our nation doesn’t lose sight of how God created us - male and female, as described in Genesis 1:27. This is not only a Biblical truth but it’s also a biological reality. There are only two sexes. The construct of gender has been made up by man; it’s confusing and not based in reality. This legislation will ensure consistency and clarity in the language used among our government entities when referencing biological sex.”
Under the legislation, residents can file complaints for noncompliance, with penalties including withholding up to 20% of state funding. Valid birth certificates or IDs won’t count as noncompliance.
Senate Bill 936 will now head to the Senate Floor for final consideration.
Expanding legal protections for alcohol overdose medical assistance
To encourage life-saving emergency calls during alcohol overdose situations, the Senate Judiciary Committee passed Senate Bill 940, a measure aimed at expanding Tennessee’s Good Samaritan Overdose Law.
Sponsored by Chairman Richard Briggs (R-Knoxville), the bill extends legal immunity to individuals who seek medical help for someone experiencing an alcohol overdose—just as current law does for drug overdoses. The goal is to ensure that underage teens and young adults are not afraid to call 911 for a friend who has had too much to drink, simply because they fear legal consequences for underage drinking.
“No one should hesitate to call 911 in a life-threatening situation because they’re afraid of getting in trouble,” said Briggs. “This legislation makes it clear that saving lives comes first. By expanding legal protections for those seeking medical help during an alcohol overdose, we are encouraging young people to make the right call—one that could mean the difference between life and death.”
The legislation clarifies that the term "overdose" includes both drug and alcohol-related incidents and updates the list of qualifying violations covered under the law.
Senate Bill 940 now goes to the Senate floor for final consideration.
Senate passes legislation targeting organized retail crime to protect Tennessee businesses and maintain law and order
The Tennessee Senate took action to protect businesses and consumers by passing Senate Bill 240, sponsored by Senator Brent Taylor (R-Memphis), which is designed to combat the growing threat of organized retail crime (ORC) that is driving up costs for all Tennesseans. With Tennessee retailers losing an estimated $500 million annually to theft and the state losing $117 million in tax revenue each year, this legislation strengthens penalties and closes loopholes exploited by criminals.
"Organized retail crime is not just a petty theft problem—it is a sophisticated, large-scale operation that hurts businesses, raises prices for consumers, and funds other criminal activities,” said Taylor, sponsor of the bill. "This legislation strengthens law enforcement’s ability to dismantle criminal networks and protect both retailers and consumers. It ensures that criminals who exploit retailers, defraud businesses, and threaten public safety face appropriate consequences.”
The bill builds upon the ORC Prevention Act of 2017 by expanding the definition of ORC and strengthening enforcement measures. Key provisions of the legislation include:
● Extended Aggregation Window: The bill extends the time period in which stolen goods can be counted toward felony charges, from 90 days to 180 days, making it harder for criminals to avoid prosecution by spreading out their thefts.
● Expanded Definition of ORC: The legislation adds new offenses, including the use of anti-theft device removers, fraudulent returns of counterfeit merchandise, sale of stolen goods through online marketplaces, and possession of devices used to steal electronic payment information.
● Enhanced Penalties: Offenders who engage in property destruction, use weapons, or commit ORC while out on bond or pretrial release will face increased penalties.
By addressing emerging tactics used by criminal enterprises, this bill sends a strong message that Tennessee will not tolerate organized theft that undermines local businesses and threatens public safety.
Extending the James Dustin Samples Act to support more first responders
In an effort to improve mental health support for first responders, the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee unanimously passed Senate Bill 289, sponsored by Senator Paul Bailey (R-Sparta), expanding workers’ compensation benefits for law enforcement officers and emergency medical responders suffering with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
“Our first responders risk their lives every day to protect our communities, often facing highly traumatic and challenging situations that can take a serious toll on their mental health,” said Bailey. “By reducing the stigma around mental health and removing barriers to early intervention, we can save lives, support those who serve, and create healthier first responders—ultimately making our communities safer.”
This legislation builds on the James Dustin Samples Act, which was first enacted in 2023 to provide workers’ compensation benefits to firefighters diagnosed with PTSD due to their service. The original act sought to combat the stigma surrounding PTSD and ensure that firefighters received the care they needed. This legislation seeks to extend the benefits of the James Dustin Samples Act to law enforcement officers and emergency medical responders.
The law is named in honor of Captain James ‘Dustin’ Samples of the Cleveland Fire Department, who tragically committed suicide in 2020 after a years-long struggle with PTSD.
Senate Bill 289 seeks to provide much-needed mental healthcare to all first responders suffering from PTSD.
The legislation now moves to the Senate Finance Committee for further consideration.
Tennessee Senate passes virtual school curriculum standards bill to support high-quality online education
The Tennessee Senate has approved Senate Bill 416, which ensures school districts have access to high-quality instructional materials tailored for virtual learning. This bill, sponsored by Speaker Pro Tempore Ferrell Haile (R-Gallatin), addresses an issue in state law that has made it difficult for virtual schools to use the best available educational resources.
Currently, all Tennessee schools—including virtual schools—are required to use textbooks from the state-approved textbook commission list. However, these lists do not include materials specifically designed for virtual instruction, creating a dilemma for districts striving to provide top-tier online education. This legislation resolves that issue by creating a waiver process that allows districts to seek approval for high-quality virtual learning materials while maintaining state standards.
“Virtual schools should be able to choose the best possible resources for students,” said Haile. “This legislation provides much-needed clarity and flexibility to ensure virtual schools can deliver rigorous, standards-aligned instruction. It is a practical solution that allows Tennessee’s virtual schools to access the high-quality instructional materials they need while maintaining accountability and transparency.”
Senate Bill 416 proposes to include:
● Special waiver process for virtual school materials: The state would establish a waiver application process for school districts to request approval for non-textbook virtual learning materials.
● Standards alignment verification: The waiver application would require LEAs (Local Education Agencies) to verify that the materials align with state academic standards.
● Public transparency & rulemaking authority: The state would publish approved waivers online and develop clear rules to guide the process.
Under the legislation, the waiver process sunsets on January 1, 2028, ensuring that a permanent legislative fix is developed in the coming years.
The legislation maintains that the textbooks used in any school – even virtual schools – must be textbooks approved by the textbook commission.
In Brief…
Introducing digital foreclosure notice requirements - To update notice requirements in the Tennessee Foreclosure Act, the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee passed Senate Bill 727, sponsored by Senator Adam Lowe (R-Calhoun). Current code states that notices of foreclosure must be featured in print newspapers three times. If passed, this bill will reduce the number of print statements from three to one and add one online notice. By ensuring the notices are published online, it will expand the number of people who view the notices. Senate Bill 727 moves to the Senate Judiciary Committee.
State reimbursement for prisoners - The Senate State and Local Committee unanimously passed Senate Bill 186 this week. Sponsored by Senator Ed Jackson (R-Jackson), the bill requires the state to reimburse counties for prisoners awaiting probation revocation hearings, as it currently only reimburses for those awaiting parole revocation hearings. It also changes the reimbursement rate for state prisoners in local jails to start at the date of conviction, instead of the date of sentencing as under current law. Senate Bill 186 will now head to the Senate Floor for final consideration.
Tennessee bail bond reporting requirements - The Senate Judiciary Committee passed Senate Bill 1237 this week by Senator Ferrell Haile (R-Gallatin). Starting October 25, 2025, professional bondsmen and court clerks in Tennessee must submit quarterly reports to the Department of Revenue, which will be used for auditing and enforcing the bail bonding tax. Bondsmen will report the number and liability of bonds issued by the county, while court clerks will report the number and value of bonds accepted. The bill will now head to the Senate Floor for final consideration.
Reducing costs for local communities - The State and Local Government Committee approved Senate Bill 26, introduced by Senator Mark Pody (R-Lebanon), on Tuesday. The bill enables local governments to establish Infrastructure Development Districts (IDDs) to fund capital projects using special assessments and bonds, with a 30-year maximum term. It also allows commercial developments to participate and reduces the required capital cost for creating an IDD from $5 million to $1 million. Senate Bill 26 now moves to the Senate Floor for final review.
Removing unauthorized personal information from business filings - To protect privacy and safeguard against fraudulent business filings, the Senate State and Local Government Committee passed Senate Bill 1050. Sponsored by Chairman Ed Jackson (R-Jackson), this bill creates a process for individuals to file a complaint with the Secretary of State if they believe their name or address was included in a document filed without their consent. If the complaint is supported by clear evidence, the Secretary of State must void the filing. However, no refund will be issued to the filer if the transaction is voided. The bill will now go to the Senate Floor for final review.
Streamlining adoption process - The Senate Judiciary Committee passed Senate Bill 1005 this week to streamline the adoption process. Sponsored by Senator Ferrell Haile (R-Gallatin), the bill allows prospective adoptive parents to file a single adoption petition for multiple siblings who share at least one biological parent, instead of filing separate petitions for each child. The court can still require separate petitions if it believes it's in the children's best interest. Additionally, the bill ensures only one filing fee is charged, lowering legal costs for adoptive families. Senate Bill 1005 will now head to the Senate Floor for a final vote.
Strengthening unlawful photography law - To secure privacy rights for all Tennesseans, the Senate Judiciary Committee passed Senate Bill 482 this week. Sponsored by Senator Janice Bowling (R-Tullahoma), the bill expands the unlawful photography law to include cases where a person has a reasonable expectation of privacy, regardless of location. It creates a new offense for photographing intimate areas without consent for sexual gratification and updates the definition of "photograph" to include video and digital recordings. Violations for photographing for sexual gratification or focusing on intimate areas are classified as a Class D felony, while penalties for other violations remain the same. The bill also adjusts sentencing guidelines to reflect these changes. The bill now heads to the Finance Committee for further fiscal review.
Establishing antisemitism definition - In light of the ongoing war in Israel, the Senate Judiciary Committee passed Senate Joint Resolution 3. Sponsored By Senator Mark Pody (R-Lebanon), the resolution defines antisemitism and outlines actions and rhetoric that are considered to be anti semitic. Senate Joint Resolution 3 will now seek approval from the full Senate body.
Women’s Safety and Protection Act -The Senate Judiciary Committee has passed Senate Bill 468, known as the "Women's Safety and Protection Act," sponsored by Senator Janice Bowling (R-Tullahoma). This legislation mandates that facilities such as correctional institutions, domestic violence shelters, and public schools maintain sex-based designations for restrooms, changing rooms, and sleeping quarters. It defines biological sex and prohibits mixing sexes in sensitive spaces, with exceptions only for emergencies. The bill also allows individuals to seek legal remedies, including damages and attorney fees, if their rights are violated. Additionally, it permits shelters and schools to implement policies to assist individuals with disabilities or young children. Senate Bill 468 will now proceed to the Senate Floor for final consideration.
Courthouse Square Revitalization Act - The Senate Commerce and Labor Committee unanimously passed Senate Bill 754, sponsored by Senator Ken Yager (R-Kingston). This bill will extend the Courthouse Square Revitalization Act to 2028. Aimed at supporting small, rural communities, this Act allows for communities of 10,000 people or less to request financial support to revitalize their courthouse. Senate Bill 754 moves to the Senate State and Local Government Committee.
Recognizing forestry success in Hall of Fame - Senate Bill 755, sponsored by Senator Ken Yager (R-Kingston), was passed by the Energy, Agriculture, and Natural Resources Committee. This bill will change the name of the Tennessee Agriculture Hall of Fame to Tennessee Agriculture and Forestry Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame is the oldest of its kind, dating back to the 1930s. This change will recognize the importance of forestry in Tennessee. Senate Bill 755 moves to the Senate Floor.
Regulating labels for cell-cultured food products -The Senate Health and Welfare Committee passed Senate Bill 931 this week to prohibit cell-cultured food products from being labeled as meat. Sponsored by Senator Paul Rose (R-Covington), the bill defines a cell-cultured food product as a food for human consumption made by growing animal cells—without slaughter—in a controlled environment. These cells come from species covered under the Federal Meat Inspection Act, shellfish, big game, game birds, or fish. If a cell-cultured food product is in violation of this legislation by being labeled as meat, then the product is considered misbranded and non-compliant, and would result in a $2,000 fine imposed for each misbranded item. Additionally, the Department of Agriculture is required to establish rules for a permit program for manufacturers selling cell-cultured food products in Tennessee. Senate Bill 931 now heads to the Senate Floor for final vote.
TennCare PACE program expansion and reporting -The Senate Health and Welfare Committee passed Senate Bill 1390 aimed at improving care for elderly persons in Tennessee. Sponsored by Senator Bo Watson (R-Hixson), the legislation requires TennCare to authorize an additional Program of All-Inclusive Care for Elderly Persons (PACE) as a pilot in one of the two Grand Divisions where a PACE program did not exist in 2024 and expand the program currently in Hamilton County. A PACE program is a comprehensive, integrated care program for elderly individuals who need nursing facility-level care and meet eligibility criteria set by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The director of TennCare must ensure that PACE applicants meet federal eligibility criteria and certify that they qualify to be PACE providers in the proposed service area. The bill now heads to the Finance Committee for further fiscal review.
Expanding nursing enrollment opportunities - The Senate Health and Welfare Committee passed Senate Bill 644. Sponsored by Senator Rusty Crowe (R-Johnson City), the bill requires the Board of Nursing to allow students who meet high school diploma or equivalent requirements and program admission criteria to enroll in practical nursing programs at Tennessee Board of Regents(TBR)-governed public institutions. It also permits TBR institutions to offer dual enrollment in pre-practical and practical nursing for high school students starting in 10th grade. Senate Bill 644 now heads to the Senate Floor for final consideration.
Protecting minors in residential education facilities - Senate Bill 472 was passed by the Tennessee Senate in an effort to protect gender-specific spaces for children. Sponsored by Senator Janice Bowling (R-Tullahoma), the bill mandates that all residential educational programs allowing minors to participate or stay overnight must separate restrooms, changing areas, and showers based on sex. This means that facilities must provide distinct spaces for males and females, ensuring privacy in these areas for all minors. The goal of this bill is to establish clear, gender-specific spaces in residential settings to maintain appropriate boundaries and accommodations. This bill passed the House earlier this week.
Flexibility for online private schools - Senate Bill 827, sponsored by Senator Joey Hensley (R-Hohenwald), was taken up by the Tennessee Senate this week. The bill prohibits the state board of education from requiring accredited fully-online, self-paced private schools to comply with certain regulations such as class size restrictions, operating schedules and vaccination requirements. This change grants parents, students, and educational institutions with more options and flexibility in their education. Senate Bill 827 goes to the state House.
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