Senators review governor’s budget amendment, five committees finish legislative business
(NASHVILLE, TN) – This week, Governor Lee released his supplemental budget appropriation amendment which includes various changes to the budget proposed in February. In the coming weeks, the Senate Finance, Ways and Means Committee will review the proposed budget and make changes to reflect the General Assembly’s priorities.
Most legislative business has shifted from committees to the Senate floor, signaling a move towards adjournment. Five committees completed their business this week – Commerce and Labor; Transportation and Safety; Education; Energy, Agriculture and Natural Resources; and Health and Welfare. Three other committees remain open for the 2025 session and are set to meet next week – Finance, Ways and Means; State and Local Government; and Judiciary.
Protecting NIL opportunities for collegiate athletes
Legislation passed by the Tennessee Senate this week solidifies the state’s position as a national leader in Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) protections for college athletes. Senate Bill 536, sponsored by Senator John Stevens (R-Huntingdon), updates the state's existing NIL law to create new opportunities for student-athletes to capitalize on their talents.
Senate Bill 536 allows institutions to directly compensate athletes for NIL while preserving the rights to engage in 3rd party opportunities. This new legislation offers enhanced protections and expanded opportunities for student-athletes. It also gives Tennessee’s colleges and universities a clearer legal framework to operate within, helping them continue to recruit at the highest level.
Additionally, the bill protects the state and our universities from antitrust claims by ensuring that any liability from these issues fall on the athletic organization, not the state or university.
"This body, in partnership with the Attorney General, has consistently risen to meet the challenges of the evolving NIL landscape," said Stevens. “This bill will place Tennessee at the forefront, alongside national leaders, in navigating this rapidly changing environment. Through this and other measures, Tennessee remains second to none in eliminating competitive disadvantages and standing up for athletes. The passage of this bill ensures that Tennessee continues to be a powerhouse in college athletics, while safeguarding the state's sovereign immunity against external entities."
Over the past few years, Tennessee has been at the forefront of advocating for student-athletes and challenging the NCAA's restrictions on NIL compensation.
On January 31st 2024, Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti filed a landmark lawsuit against the NCAA, accusing it of violating antitrust laws by preventing athletes from earning fair compensation for their name, image, and likeness. The case, which resulted in a federal court injunction, now allows NIL opportunities to play a role in athlete recruitment for both high schoolers and transfer students.
Transfer opportunities for student athletes
To allow high school athletes more opportunities to compete in their sport, the Senate Education Committee passed Senate Bill 16. Sponsored by Senator Adam Lowe (R-Calhoun), the bill allows for one transfer for athletic reasons. Recently, the TSSAA made this part of their protocol. Upon passage, this bill will codify what the TSSAA currently operates under. Students will be eligible for participation in their respective sport at the time of the transfer.
"We already allow band members, cheerleaders, and others to transfer schools," said Lowe. "This bill gives student athletes the opportunity to find the best fit both academically and athletically, offering them more playing time and greater visibility to colleges.”
The bill now heads to the Senate Floor for final consideration.
Tennessee Senate passes bill to prepare for deregulation of education at the federal level
In a proactive step to prepare Tennessee’s education system for potential changes to the U.S. The Department of Education, the Senate passed Senate Bill 950 on Thursday. The legislation, sponsored by Senator Bill Powers (R-Clarksville), would establish a Federal Education Deregulation Cooperation Task Force.
The task force will be charged with preparing Tennessee for possible substantive changes to the U.S. Department of Education, which the current federal administration has signaled could take effect as early as 2025. The task force will play a key role in ensuring Tennessee is ready to act quickly and effectively should the federal government significantly alter education funding or oversight.
“Tennessee knows what’s best for Tennessee students,” said Senator Bill Powers. “If the federal government chooses to return more control to the states, we will be ready. This task force will create a roadmap to help us ensure that Tennessee is well-positioned to take care of our students, support our teachers, and strengthen our entire education system with solutions that reflect our values and priorities.”
The seven-member task force will be responsible for:
Identifying all federal funding sources for K-12 education in Tennessee
Reviewing federal requirements tied to those funds
Assessing the state resources needed to access federal funds
Documenting positions funded through federal dollars
Evaluating which federally funded programs should be continued, modified, or replaced
The task force’s findings will help guide the General Assembly as it considers education policy ahead of the 2026 legislative session.
Legislation advances to prohibit provider discrimination based on vaccination status
Senate Bill 1389, sponsored by Senator Bo Watson (R-Hixson), was passed by the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee. This bill prohibits TennCare and CoverKids providers from refusing care to patients based on their vaccination status.
“Providers in Tennessee are refusing to treat patients based on a decision families make for themselves,” said Senator Watson. “It is critically important for physicians to see these patients, provide them with information on immunizations, and consult on other types of care. Ostracizing these patients is completely counter-culture to what we should be doing in the medical community.”
This bill aims to protect families' personal choice in regards to vaccinations. If passed, patients who feel their provider has discriminated against them can pursue recourse.
Senate Bill 1389 moves to the Senate Floor.
Tennessee Protection of Children Against Sexual Exploitation Act advances
The Tennessee Protection of Children Against Sexual Exploitation Act, sponsored by Senator John Stevens (Huntingdon), was passed by the Senate Judiciary Committee to strengthen measures against child exploitation. This bill will prohibit electronic communication service providers from notifying customers about search warrants or subpoenas related to ongoing investigations under Tennessee’s obscenity laws.
“Providers can reach out to the target of these investigations, giving them ample time to delete the requested records,” said Senator Stevens. “This bill closes that loophole, allowing our law enforcement to act on the subpoena or search warrant before the target is made aware.”
Ninety days after the requested materials have been delivered to law enforcement, the providers can alert customers. Protecting children is a priority in Tennessee and Senate Bill 535 assists law enforcement in their efforts. This bill moves to the Senate Floor for further consideration.
Pro-life legislation to protect lives of mothers facing serious pregnancy complications advances
The Senate Judiciary Committee passed legislation this week to strengthen Tennessee’s pro-life laws protecting mothers and the unborn while providing further clarity for physicians handling medical emergencies during pregnancy. Sponsored by Senator Richard Briggs (R-Knoxville), Senate Bill 1004 ensures elective abortions remain illegal in Tennessee, while clarifying circumstances under which a life-saving abortion may be considered necessary—specifically in cases where the mother faces a serious risk of substantial and irreversible impairment of a major bodily function.
The bill defines that risk as a medically diagnosed condition that severely complicates pregnancy, such as preterm membrane rupture, severe preeclampsia, mirror syndrome, and infections that could lead to uterine rupture or permanent infertility.
“The current law already requires doctors to give the unborn baby the best chance to survive, so abortion does not have to be the outcome in all of these situations,” said Briggs. “This legislation provides clarity around conditions that can seriously harm the mother, without changing the core intent of the law. We are acknowledging the severity of these situations and protecting both mother and child.”
Senate Bill 1004 maintains that physicians must continue to use reasonable medical judgment to determine if a life-saving abortion is necessary. Additionally, the bill specifies that mental health conditions do not qualify as exceptions under the law.
Tennessee Republican lawmakers have consistently affirmed their commitment to prohibiting abortion on demand, and this legislation further underscores that commitment while ensuring compassionate care for women facing life-threatening pregnancy complications.
Life, Liberty, and Pursuit of Happiness Months passes
The Senate passed Senate Bill 503, sponsored by Senator Paul Rose (R-Covington), designating special monthly observances in 2026 to commemorate America’s founding principles.
As the nation celebrates its 250th anniversary, the months of June, July, and August will honor the three unalienable rights enshrined in the Declaration of Independence:
June: "Celebration of Life" Month – Recognizing the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, which overturned Roe v. Wade, reaffirming the right to life.
July: "Celebration of Liberty" Month – Commemorating America’s independence, declared on July 4, 1776.
August: "Pursuit of Happiness" Month – Marking the return of Tennessee students to school in pursuit of knowledge and a future of happiness.
“These designations serve as a tribute to the core values of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, ensuring they remain at the heart of Tennessee’s identity,” said Rose.
Legislation advances to ensure equal coverage for gender detransitions
The Senate Commerce and Labor Committee has advanced Senate Bill 676, sponsored by Senator Brent Taylor (R-Memphis), aimed at requiring insurance companies that cover gender transition procedures to also provide coverage for individuals seeking to detransition.
“If insurance covers gender transitions, it should also cover detransitions,” said Senator Taylor. “Gender transitions are not solving underlying mental health issues. Sadly, the healthcare industry seems unwilling to support those who later regret these procedures. This bill ensures individuals are not abandoned by the system and have access to the same level of care when seeking to reverse a transition.”
Additionally, local governments will be prohibited from banning therapy as treatment for gender dysphoria, broadening the range of treatment choices available to those struggling.
Senate Bill 676 moves to the Senate Finance Committee.
Legislation advances to invalidate out-of-state drivers licenses issued to illegal immigrants
The Senate Transportation and Safety Committee passed Senate Bill 1086 this week, aiming to improve road safety and address illegal immigration. Currently, 19 states, along with the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, allow illegal immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses or driving privilege cards. These licenses are often marked to distinguish them from standard state-issued licenses.
Sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson (R-Franklin), the bill invalidates these licenses from other states for individuals in the country illegally and creates a Class B misdemeanor for operating a vehicle with an invalid license under this legislation.
“This is exclusively for those in the country illegally that have been issued a drivers license in another state,” said Johnson. “The majority of states that issue licenses to illegal immigrants issue a distinctive license. The bill requires the Department of Safety to go through and create a list of these licenses. Those licenses will not be valid licenses here in the State of Tennessee.”
The bill will now move to the Senate Floor for final approval.
In Brief…
Accountability for organizations housing illegal aliens - To hold organizations assisting illegal immigrants accountable, the Senate Judiciary Committee passed Senate Bill 227 sponsored by Senator Brent Taylor (R-Memphis). The bill allows non-profit organizations to be held liable for damages of criminal activity committed by an illegal immigrant receiving housing from the non-profit. This does not apply to temporary, overnight housing such as that from a homeless or storm shelter. Senate Bill 227 moves to the Senate floor.
Making government more efficient by consolidating responsibilities - The Senate Judiciary Committee passed Senate Bill 861, sponsored by Senator John Stevens (R-Huntingdon), to reform anti-discrimination enforcement and increase government efficiency. The legislation proposes to dissolve the TN Human Rights Commission and shift responsibilities to the Attorney General’s Office. It also aims to increase penalties for malicious harassment and uphold protections against discrimination in housing, real estate, and education. Senate Bill 861 now moves to the Senate Government Operations Committee.
Investigating mass shooting suspects for public health insights -To investigate the potential effects and correlation of psychotropic drugs on mass shooters, the Senate Health and Welfare Committee passed Senate Bill 1146 on Wednesday. Sponsored by Senator Rusty Crowe (R-Johnson City), the bill requires medical examiners to consult the doctors of a deceased mass shooting suspect and test for psychotropic drugs during autopsies of individuals involved in mass shootings. The results would be shared with the University of Tennessee's Health Science Center and the Department of Health for study, with quarterly reports sent to state legislators. Senate Bill 1146 now heads to the Senate Floor for final vote.
Requiring mental health examinations for certain offenders -The Senate Judiciary Committee passed Senate Bill 944, sponsored by Senator Becky Massey (R-Knoxville), to better understand the mental health of certain offenders. The bill requires mental health exams for individuals convicted of crimes such as child abuse, domestic abuse, and animal cruelty. The bill now moves to the Finance Committee for fiscal review.
Increasing water safety transparency - The Senate passed Senate Bill 1142 to increase water safety transparency. Sponsored by Senator Rusty Crowe (R-Johnson City), this bill requires certain utility systems to obtain a certificate of analysis (COA) for fluoridated water sold by the system. Systems will be required to post the COA to their website or to the Tennessee Board of Utility Regulation’s website. The purpose of this bill is to allow easy access to important information regarding water safety and to encourage regular, thorough testing by the systems.
Preserving property rights - To ensure property owners can make changes and improvements to their property without being hindered by the Tennessee Historical Commission, the Senate State and Local Government Committee passed Senate Bill 7. Sponsored by Senator Adam Lowe (R-Calhoun), the bill prohibits the Tennessee Historical Commission from regulating the renovation, alteration or demolition of public or private property not listed on the Tennessee Register of Historic Places. It ensures the properties that have been denied benefits by the State Historic Commission are not bound by the Commission’s rules and regulations. This grants local facilities more autonomy. The bill now moves to the Senate Floor for final consideration.
Requiring property rights training for zoning boards - To ensure members of local zoning boards are properly informed about citizens’ legal property rights and constitutional rights, the Senate State and Local Government Committee passed Senate Bill 365, sponsored by Senator Richard Briggs (R-Knoxville). The legislation requires mandatory board member training to include property and constitutional rights, and removes the ability for local governments to opt out of board member training. The bill also requires the board of zoning appeals to maintain a record of the board’s proceedings and provide written notice of an individual’s right to appeal to the board. The bill now heads to the Senate floor for final consideration.
Prohibiting contradictory local law - The Senate Commerce and Labor Committee passed Senate Bill 674 to ensure local governments are held accountable regarding employment-related regulations. Sponsored by Senator Brent Taylor (R-Memphis), this bill prohibits local governments from enacting and enforcing harmful labor regulations that are not in line with Tennessee code. If a regulation exceeds or contradicts a state or federal law, it will be affected by this bill. Senate Bill 674 moves to the Senate Floor for further consideration.
Streamlining building process with third-party utility infrastructure installation - In an effort to streamline the building process for developers and speed up economic development, the Senate State and Local Government Committee passed Senate Bill 1139. Sponsored By Senator Brent Taylor (R-Memphis), the bill allows customers or developers to hire their own contractors for utility infrastructure installation, rather than waiting on the utility to do the work. It also sets a 30-day deadline for utilities to review and approve plans. If the deadline is missed, the customer can hire a third-party examiner to ensure compliance. The utility must respond within 10 business days of receiving the examiner's report, or the plans are automatically approved, and review fees are refunded.
Banning online ballot submissions -To keep Tennessee as the #1 ranked state in election security, the Senate State and Local Government Committee passed Senate Bill 159 this week. Sponsored by Senator Joey Hensley (R-Hohenwald), the bill prohibits election commissions from accepting marked ballots from the internet. The bill now heads to the Senate Floor for final consideration.
Enhancing TABC’s authority in alcohol road deaths -In an effort to protect the privacy of ongoing investigations while providing more tools to investigators of alcohol-related road deaths, the Senate State and Local Government Committee passed Senate Bill 622. Sponsored by Senator Richard Briggs (R-Knoxville), the bill requires law enforcement to submit specific records to the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) following alcohol-related road deaths and prevents the TABC from releasing that information. It also grants TABC law enforcement the authority to subpoena evidence and call witnesses when investigating alcohol-related road deaths and other violations. The bill now heads to the Senate Floor for final consideration.
Eliminating step therapy requirements for cancer patients - To ensure timely access to the most effective treatments for cancer patients, the Commerce and Labor Committee unanimously passed Senate Bill 1382, sponsored by Senator Bo Watson (R-Hixson). The legislation aims to exempt certain cancer patients from step therapy requirements imposed by insurance providers. Step therapy protocols typically require patients to try insurer-preferred medications—often less effective or potentially harmful—before gaining access to the treatments prescribed by their physicians. Under Senate Bill 1382, health benefit plans would be prohibited from enforcing step therapy for patients with stage 4 advanced cancer, metastatic blood cancer, and related conditions. Instead, these patients will be allowed to receive federally approved prescriptions immediately, without delay or additional barriers. Senate Bill 1382 moves to the Senate Floor.
Treatment for PANDAS and PANS patients - Senate Bill 1426, sponsored by Senator Bo Watson (R-Hixson), was unanimously passed by the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee. If passed, the bill will authorize TennCare managed care organizations to cover physician-prescribed treatments for pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections (PANDAS) and pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS). PANDAS and PANS are health issues affecting Tennesseans who, under current law, are not receiving adequate treatment. Senate Bill 1426 moves to the Senate floor.
Encouraging free speech – The Senate on Wednesday passed a resolution encouraging all colleges and universities in Tennessee to remain committed to offering a campus environment that encourages institutional neutrality and seeks to advance free speech principles. House Joint Resolution 175 by Sen. Dawn White (R-Murfreesboro) commends Tennessee colleges and universities that have adopted these values.
Grants to help resolve violent crimes- The Senate Judiciary Committee approved Senate Bill 222 on Tuesday. Sponsored by Senator Ed Jackson (R-Jackson), the bill, titled the Tennessee Violent Incident Clearance and Technological Investigative Methods Support (TN-VICTIMS) Act, seeks to enhance the resolution of violent crimes and support for victims. The legislation directs the Department of Finance and Administration to create a grant program to help law enforcement agencies and district attorney offices improve investigative methods and victim services. Recipients of the grants will be required to submit annual reports on their activities. The bill now heads to the Finance Committee for fiscal review.
Establishing the Tennessee Juvenile Justice Review Commission -The Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously passed Senate Bill 444. Sponsored by Senator Ed Jackson (R-Jackson), the bill creates the Tennessee Juvenile Justice Review Commission to oversee juvenile justice cases and critical incidents involving juveniles in state custody. The commission will review a sample of cases, including those with systemic issues, as well as incidents like escapes or abuse. It will provide legislative recommendations based on its findings. The commission will include state officials, law enforcement, and experts, and will have the authority to access confidential information, hold meetings, and submit annual reports to the General Assembly. It would be administratively attached to the Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth but function independently. The bill now heads to the Senate Floor for final review.
Enhancing security for those in the judicial system - Senate Bill 1399 was passed by the Senate Judiciary Committee in an effort to protect those in the judicial system. Current law only protects judges, witnesses, and others from threats made in retaliation to previous actions. This bill, sponsored by Senator Kerry Roberts (R-Springfield), will extend those protections to encompass threats related to current and future acts. Senate Bill 1399 moves to the Senate Floor.
Improving safety in prisons -To improve safety in prisons, the Senate State and Local Government Committee unanimously passed Senate Bill 1115 this week. Sponsored by Senator Mark Pody (R-Lebanon), the bill requires the Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC) to reduce the population at private prisons by 10% if the death rate is twice as high as that at comparable state-run prisons. The affected prisoners will be moved to state-run facilities. The bill now moves to the Senate floor for final approval.
Regulating animal chiropractic physicians - Senate Bill 128, sponsored by Senator Paul Bailey (R-Sparta), has passed the Senate Energy, Agriculture, and Natural Resources Committee. The bill aims to define "animal chiropractic" and establish certification and continuing education requirements for chiropractic physicians who perform chiropractic care on animals. This measure formalizes collaborative care between veterinarians and chiropractic physicians, ensuring consistent education, title protection, and patient safety. Senate Bill 128 now moves to the Senate Floor.
Additional land purchase reporting - The Senate Energy, Agriculture, and Natural Resources Committee passed Senate Bill 519. Sponsored by Senator Kerry Roberts (R-Springfield), this bill will require foreign entities that purchase land in Tennessee to file a report of purchase with the state. This is in addition to the federally required reports. Senate Bill 519 moves to the Senate Floor.
Ensuring rights for foster care children - In order to recognize the rights of children in foster care, the Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously passed Senate Bill 1015. Sponsored by Senator Ferrell Haile (R-Gallatin), the bill establishes the following rights for students in the Department of Children Services’ (DCS) custody:
Access to education
Appropriate care in the least restrictive setting
A safe and healthy environment
The ability to report violations without retaliation
Access to healthcare with age-appropriate explanations,
Freedom from punitive restrictions on communication with legal representatives
The bill will now head to the Senate Floor for final consideration.
Updating child custody rules - In order to ensure child safety comes first in custody decisions and to provide courts the tools to make transparent, well-informed decisions, the Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously passed Senate Bill 943. The bill updates child custody rules, requiring courts to consider all factors and provide written findings when deciding schedules if standard rules don’t apply. It changes custody evaluation criteria, focusing on past custody issues and unpaid child support. The bill now heads to the Senate Floor for a final vote.
Protecting parents from financial hardship penalties -The Senate Judiciary Committee passed Senate Bill 560, sponsored by Senator Ed Jackson (R-Jackson), to protect parents from being penalized for financial hardship. The bill prevents children from being separated from their parents solely due to financial issues and shields parents from criminal liability. It also ensures that financial hardship isn’t used against parents in custody decisions unless they reject offered assistance. The bill now moves to the Senate Floor for final approval.
Streamlined adoption process for siblings -The Senate 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 children 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.
Providing constables access to more accreditation -To provide constables with more options and accreditation, the Senate Judiciary Committee passed Senate Bill 1065 by Senator Jessie Seal (R-New Tazewell). The bill requires new constables to complete 128 hours of training in their first year and work with a trained officer until the training is completed. It also allows constables to earn a certificate of compliance from the Police Officer Standards and Training (POST) Commission if they meet police qualifications and finish approved training, but certification isn’t required for constable duties. The bill now heads to the Finance Committee for fiscal review.
Ongoing Hurricane Helene efforts - The Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 915 on Wednesday to support ongoing recovery from Hurricane Helene. Sponsored by Senator Paul Bailey (R-Sparta), the bill lifts restrictions on temporary borrow pits in FEMA-certified counties. These pits are used to move earth materials to help repair washouts caused by the hurricane in Northeast Tennessee.
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