Tennessee Senate advances key legislation on immigration, education, public safety and maternal health
(NASHVILLE, TENN) - The Tennessee Senate made significant legislative advancements this week, addressing critical issues such as the financial burden of illegal immigration on public schools, the expansion of digital driver’s licenses, and the constitutional rights of crime victims. Among the key bills, Senate Bill 836 seeks to allow school districts to charge tuition for undocumented students, challenging the Supreme Court’s Plyler v. Doe ruling. Additionally, lawmakers advanced measures to enhance public safety, including tougher penalties for rideshare impersonation and expanded judicial access to juvenile records in bail decisions. Maternal, infant and child health were also a focus, with measures to expand prenatal screenings and increase the minimum time for physical activity in K-12 schools.
Legislation addressing illegal immigration’s financial burden on public schools advances
The Senate Education Committee advanced legislation this week aimed at giving local education agencies (LEAs) greater flexibility in managing the rising costs associated with illegal immigration in public schools. The legislation seeks to challenge Plyler vs Doe, a 5-4 U.S. Supreme Court ruling in 1982 that required public schools to provide free education to all children -- even those in the country illegally.
Sponsored by Senate Finance Committee Chairman Bo Watson (R-Hixson), Senate Bill 836 would give LEAs the option to charge tuition for enrollment of undocumented students in a public school. The tuition amount would be based on the current year’s TISA per-pupil funding. If a school district chooses to charge tuition and an undocumented student fails to pay, then the district would have the option to deny enrollment. The legislation also establishes an appeal process through the Tennessee Department of Education to make the final determination on the lawful status of the student.
“This legislation empowers local school districts to manage their resources more effectively to maintain fiscal stability,” said Watson. "Our education system has limited resources, which should be prioritized for students who are legally present in the country. The influx of illegal immigration can strain LEAs and put significant pressure on their budgets. This is a fiscal reality we need to acknowledge and address.”
Under the legislation, every public school would be required to verify a student’s legal status prior to enrolling, but they would not be required to charge tuition.
The financial burden of illegal immigration remains a national concern. In 2023 alone, American taxpayers spent an estimated $151 billion at the federal, state and local levels to cover the costs associated with illegal immigration.
This issue was highlighted at a Rutherford County Board of Education meeting on Jan. 23 when school board members passed a resolution asking leaders to expedite closure of the nation’s borders and increase funds for English as a Second Language (ESL) programs. According to the school board, Rutherford County has experienced a “significant surge in its English Learner (EL) population, with an increase of more than 140% in the past decade.” The school board said it has more than 8,370 ESL students enrolled this year.
A 2019 analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data by the Migration Policy Institute estimated 128,000 illegals were residing in Tennessee. The group estimated approximately 10,000 were school-aged children enrolled in Tennessee public schools.
Legislation seeks to allow electronic driver’s licenses
Legislation advancing in the Senate this week would allow Tennesseans to use Digital Driver’s Licenses (DDLs) as a valid form of identification wherever an ID is legally required, except for voting. Sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson (R-Franklin), Senate Bill 1297 builds on existing law by establishing strict privacy protections and clear usage guidelines for the Tennessee Department of Safety’s electronic driver’s license system. The bill aims to enhance consumer data security while maintaining the convenience of digital identification.
“This bill provides necessary safeguards to protect Tennesseans’ personal information, while ensuring that digital drivers’ licenses can be used as a voluntary, secure and convenient option for citizens,” said Johnson.
The DDLs would enable Tennesseans to download an electronic copy of their drivers’ licenses which could be easily stored in the Apple Wallet on an iPhone, ensuring access to identification even without internet coverage.
The Department of Safety aims to implement the program by the end of the year.
The use of DDLs would be completely voluntary, and no public or private entity could require individuals to use a digital license instead of a physical one. The legislation also maintains the current use of physical driver's licenses.
To safeguard consumer privacy, the legislation strictly prohibits private companies involved in the DDL system from selling, sharing, or misusing data. Additionally, geolocation tracking is explicitly banned to enhance security.
Tennessee would continue to require a physical ID for voting to align with the state’s strict voter identification requirements.
The bill advanced out of the Transportation and Safety Committee this week with a 9-0 vote and now moves to the Senate Floor for final consideration.
Marsy’s Law one step closer to ballot
A constitutional amendment to guarantee victims of crime have clear and enforceable rights passed the full Senate this week. Senate Joint Resolution 9, sponsored by Sen. John Stevens (R-Huntingdon) would add Marsy’s Law to the Tennessee Constitution to support crime victims and prevent further trauma. It aims to give constitutional protections to victims, including the right to be heard, the right to be informed, and the right to be treated with fairness, dignity, and respect through the judicial process.
“Tennessee crime victims are not given the same amount of protection as convicted criminals,” said Sen. Stevens. “Marsy’s Law will ensure that victims have equal access to justice.”
Marsalee Nicholas’s family, who Marsy’s Law was named for, ran into the man who murdered Marsy a week after her death at the grocery store on the way back from her funeral. Marsy’s murderer was her ex-boyfriend, who stalked and killed her while she was a student at the University of California at Santa Barbara in 1983. They were not notified that he was released on bail. Marsy’s Law seeks to ensure devastating and traumatic experiences like this never happen to victims in Tennessee.
The measure must still pass its second and final required passage in the House of Representatives before going on the next gubernatorial ballot.
In order to ratify the constitution, a constitutional amendment must pass the General Assembly twice. The first time it must pass with a simple majority voting in favor. The second time it must pass the next elected General Assembly by a two-thirds majority in both legislative chambers. Finally, the amendment must be submitted to the voters in the next gubernatorial election where it would become part of the state constitution if the majority of those voting for governor also vote in favor of the amendment.
Legislation passes to allow judges to consider juvenile records when setting bail for young adult offenders
The Senate passed legislation this week to ensure judges have access to a more complete criminal history when determining bail for young adult offenders. Senate Bill 221, sponsored by Senator Brent Taylor (R-Memphis), grants judges the ability to review a defendant’s juvenile record from the past five years when setting bail for a new offense.
“Currently, if an 18-year-old arrested for carjacking has a long history of similar offenses as a juvenile, the judge has no way of knowing,” said Taylor. “This legislation ensures judges can make fully informed decisions in the best interest of public safety when setting bail for such defendants.”
This measure builds on legislative action taken last year to allow judges to prioritize public safety of the community as the primary consideration in bail decisions.
Senate passes legislation to expand prenatal screenings to protect mothers and babies
The Senate unanimously passed legislation this week aimed at strengthening prenatal care by expanding critical health screenings for pregnant women. Sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson (R-Franklin) and Senator Becky Massey (R-Knoxville), Senate Bill 1283 seeks to enhance early detection and treatment of serious infections, ultimately reducing adverse birth outcomes and improving infant health.
The proposed measure would:
Add Hepatitis C to the list of routine screenings conducted during a pregnant woman’s first medical examination.
Expand syphilis testing by requiring a second syphilis screening between weeks 28-32 of pregnancy and a third syphilis screening at the time of delivery.
Recent data highlights the urgency of this initiative. Between 2022 and 2023, 50% of babies diagnosed with congenital syphilis could have been protected through timely and adequate screenings. Congenital syphilis, if left untreated, can lead to devastating health consequences, including miscarriage, stillbirth, or lifelong developmental challenges.
“In Tennessee we are committed to improving maternal and infant health through proactive and evidence-based care,” said Senator Massey. “Increasing prenatal screenings allows for early detection and intervention, leading to healthier outcomes for mothers and babies. This legislation ensures we take proactive steps to protect newborns from preventable conditions.”
When diagnosed early, effective treatments can be administered to both the mother and child while still in utero, significantly reducing the risk of negative birth and developmental outcomes.
Increasing physical activity for elementary students
In an effort to promote healthier lifestyles and ensure children are more physically active, the Senate Education Committee passed Senate Bill 158 this week. Sponsored by Senator Joey Hensley (R-Hohenwald), the bill seeks to significantly increase the amount of physical activity required for elementary school students. If passed, the legislation would raise the daily requirement from 15 minutes to 40 minutes of physical activity for students in grades K-5.
“The goal of this bill is to address growing concerns about childhood obesity and the importance of physical fitness in a child’s development,” said Hensley. “Extending the daily physical activity time will promote improvements to both the physical and mental health of students, as well as their focus and academic performance.”
Senate Bill 158 now heads to the Senate Floor for further debate.
Permitting “blaze pink” as a hunting safety color
Legislation moved through the Senate Energy, Agriculture, and Natural Resources Committee on Wednesday while committee members donned pink ties, scarves, and pocket squares in support. Sponsored by Senator Becky Massey (R-Knoxville), Senate Bill 206 would allow hunters to wear daylight fluorescent pink, “blaze pink”, as a substitute for the traditional fluorescent orange when hunting big game. The change would align Tennessee’s hunter safety standard with 12 other states.
“Some studies suggest that blaze pink is even more visible than orange, contrasting with green and fall foliage colors,” said Senator Massey. “But beyond safety, this bill brings well deserved recognition to the many female hunters across the state. According to the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, Tennessee has the highest population of sportswomen in the region.”
This bill is just one of many TWRA efforts to highlight female hunters. They also host female only events through their Becoming an Outdoors Woman (BOW) program. Senate Bill 206 moves the Senate Floor.
Save Rural Hospitals Act
On Tuesday, the Commerce and Labor Committee passed Senate Bill 185, the Save Rural Hospitals Act, to improve TennCare reimbursements to help the financial stability of rural hospitals.
The legislation would set a minimum and maximum level for aggregate reimbursement rates for a set of services to TennCare enrollees at rural hospitals. This would be a change from the current corridor reimbursement rates set for individual services.
“A closed hospital is not just a healthcare crisis, it's an economic crisis,” said sponsor, Senator Ed Jackson (R-Jackson). “Tennessee ranks second in rural hospital closures only second to Texas.”
This legislation is aimed at preventing closures and increasing access to rural healthcare across the state. Senate Bill 185 moves to the Health and Welfare Committee.
Proposal to redirect vehicle and tire sales tax to TDOT Highway Fund advances to Finance
To help alleviate a portion of the $30 billion backlog of transportation and infrastructure expenses currently facing Tennessee, the Transportation Committee advanced a measure this week proposing to redirect sales tax revenues from motor vehicle and tire sales from the state’s General Fund to the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) Highway Fund.
“Improving the quality of Tennessee’s roads is a top priority for my constituents and millions of other Tennesseans across the state,” said Walley. “I get ten times more calls on roadway issues than any other issues combined. This proposal is one way we can provide sustainable funding sources to TDOT and begin to catch up on our $30 billion deficiency and get our roads back on track.”
Governor Lee has also proposed new funding sources for TDOT to address the revenue shortfall. Lee’s proposal includes redirecting sales tax revenue of tire sales from the General Fund to TDOT, as well as a one-time investment of $1 billion.
The legislation now advances to the Senate Finance Committee, where it - along with Gov. Lee’s proposal - will be analyzed to determine the best path forward for the state of Tennessee.
Legislation Advances to Allow Counties to Increase Mineral Severance Tax for Road Funding
Another bill aimed at increasing transportation funding passed this week in Committee. The Senate State and Local Government Committee unanimously passed Senate Bill 889. Sponsored by Chairman Shane Reeves (R-Murfreesboro), this bill allows counties to raise the mineral severance tax rate by $0.05 every five years until 2035, with a maximum rate of $0.30 per ton starting in 2035.
Under the bill, counties must submit an annual report on tax revenue and how funds are spent on road construction, maintenance, and repairs. It also extends the time for the Department of Revenue to start collecting a new mineral severance tax from 30 to 60 days. The bill now heads to the Finance Committee for further consideration.
Targeting rideshare driver impersonation to enhance passenger safety
The Judiciary Committee unanimously passed Senate Bill 704, sponsored by Senator Becky Massey (R-Knoxville), aimed at addressing the growing public safety concern of rideshare driver impersonation. This bill makes it a criminal offense to falsely present oneself as a rideshare driver for services like Uber or Lyft. Under the bill, individuals caught impersonating a rideshare driver will face a Class B misdemeanor charge. In addition, if the act of impersonation is carried out in conjunction with the commission of another felony, it can be upgraded to a Class E felony.
“As rideshare services continue to be an important part of daily life, this legislation helps provide an added layer of safety for all Tennesseans and visitors who use rideshares,” said Massey. “By criminalizing this type of fraudulent behavior, the bill aims to protect passengers from potential harm and ensure they can trust the drivers they encounter.”
The bill now moves forward to the Senate Floor for further consideration.
Committee approves bill to remove 8-point penalty for driving without a license
To remove burdensome punishments for those charged for driving on a suspended license, the Senate Transportation and Safety Committee approved Senate Bill 778 this week.
Under current law, driving on a suspended license is penalized by adding 8 points on a person’s driving record, which can make it extremely difficult for those in violation to gain a license in the future. Accumulating 12 points results in the suspension of their license again. This bill removes the 8-point penalty while still penalizing the traffic violation.
“Often, people who have had their driver’s license suspended are caught in a loop,” said Lowe. “In many cases they need to drive to work to pay to get their license back, but every time they drive they risk getting their license suspended for longer, so they can’t ever get out of that cycle. This is especially bad in rural areas, with low density and no public transportation. The legislation aims to ensure more drivers on the road have a valid license and insurance.”
Senate Bill 778, sponsored by Senator Adam Lowe (R-Calhoun), now heads to the Finance Committee for further fiscal review.
Legislation advances to allow counties to remove appointed individuals
The Senate State and Local government Committee passed Senate Bill 39 on Tuesday to increase accountability for individuals appointed to boards or commissions. Sponsored by Senator Ferrell Haile (R-Gallatin), the bill grants county legislative bodies the authority to remove individuals appointed by the body or the mayor with a two-thirds majority vote. This legislation aims to enhance accountability by allowing counties to hold their appointees responsible.
Consistent with current law requiring adequate public notices of meetings, Senate Bill 39 further specifies that, when a vote for removal is scheduled, the commission must provide at least five business days of public notice prior to the vote.
“These individuals are serving at the pleasure of the appointing officer and commissions,” said Haile. “Local elected officials should be able to hold these members accountable and this bill allows for that.”
The bill will now head to the Senate Floor for final consideration.
Updates to cemetery reclamation laws, monument installation advance
The Commerce and Labor Committee passed Senate Bill 715 sponsored by Senator Brent Taylor (R-Memphis) on Tuesday. This bill will update the laws surrounding unclaimed grave sites by allowing cemeteries to reclaim unused areas. Currently, cemeteries are unable to use spaces, even if they go unclaimed by families for many generations.
“Many families will purchase multiple grave spaces, and after several generations, the family becomes unaware that they own those spaces,” said Senator Taylor. “The cemetery operator loses contact with the people who have a right to those spaces, so they go unclaimed.”
If passed, this bill will allow cemeteries to reclaim and resell gravesites 75 years after the last known contact with the family. If the family returns to claim their site within the following 25 years, they are entitled to either that site or the money collected from the resale of the space.
Senate Bill 715 moves to the Senate Floor for further consideration.
Strengthening tattoo apprenticeship and licensure requirements
Legislation that advanced in the Commerce and Labor Committee aims to make various improvements to tattoo licensure in the state. If passed, Senate Bill 497 would require a signature of completion for tattoo apprenticeships.
Currently, the tattoo artist is not required to sign off when an apprentice has completed their tenure. This bill requires their signature to make the application for licensure valid and increases the apprenticeship from 1 year to 2 years. Sponsored by Senator Page Walley (R-Savannah), this bill would also allow tattoo artists who have not been licensed in Tennessee for more than 3 years to have an apprentice as long as they were licensed for more than 10 years in another state.
“Given that so many people are moving to the state of Tennessee, including some rather remarkable tattoo artists, we wanted to give them the opportunity to train an apprentice as well,” said Senator Walley.
Senate Bill 497 moves to the floor for final consideration.\
In Brief…
Proposal to establish Hunger-Free Campus Grant Program - The Senate Education Committee unanimously passed Senate Bill 172 this week. Sponsored by Senator Becky Massey (R-Knoxville), this bill aims to establish a Hunger-Free Campus Grant Program to help higher education institutions address hunger on their campuses. Administered by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC), the grants would be funded through appropriations, gifts, and donations. To qualify, institutions must apply, have or partner with a food pantry, set up a hunger task force with at least two students and follow any additional policies required by THEC. Grant funds must be used for student meal credit donation programs, meal voucher programs, food pantry support, and raising awareness of food insecurity resources. Institutions receiving grants must report to the General Assembly Education Committees. Senate Bill 172 will now head to the Finance Committee for further review.
Expansion of School Turnaround Program - The Senate Education Committee unanimously passed Senate Bill 901 this week. Sponsored by Senator Ferrell Haile (R-Gallatin), this bill makes the School Turnaround Pilot Program, originally established by Senate Bill 122 in 2021, permanent and increases the number of participating schools to 15. Each year, up to 5 new schools can join, with at least one school selected from each grand division. The bill also expands the school turnaround committee to include a member from a local community group and a business leader. The bill now heads to the Finance Committee for further review.
Oversight of teacher evaluations - The Senate Education Committee passed Senate Bill 870 on Wednesday. Sponsored by Senator Joey Hensley (R-Hohenwald), this bill would require the Department of Education (DOE) and the State Board of Education (BOE) to analyze teacher evaluation practices in Tennessee and other states. An advisory committee of experienced teachers and experts would review the evaluation practices and provide findings and recommendations to the DOE. The reports would then be presented to the General Assembly. The bill now goes to the Senate Floor for final consideration.
Emergency inhaler use - The Senate Education Committee passed Senate Bill 817 by Senator Adam Lowe (R-Calhoun) on Wednesday. The legislation creates two allowances regarding emergency administration of rescue inhalers. It allows entities like child care centers and sports leagues to keep rescue inhalers for emergencies, with designated staff allowed to administer them and protected from liability unless they act with disregard for safety. Additionally, it encourages schools to store at least two inhalers for emergencies, with trained staff administering them under a set protocol. Schools and staff are protected from liability for ordinary negligence. It also provides liability protection for prescribing pharmacists and schools or districts employing staff to administer inhalers. Senate Bill 817 will now go to the Finance Committee for further Fiscal Review.
Providing School Boards with more options for drug prevention programs -The Senate Education Committee passed Senate Bill 683, sponsored by Chairman Dawn White (R-Murfreesboro). Aiming to provide local school boards with more options for drug prevention programs, this bill adds the Law Enforcement Against Drugs and Violence (L.E.A.D) program as an option for school boards to use in their districts. Senate bill 683 will now head to the Senate Floor for a final vote.
Allowing virtual students to participate in school sports - The Senate Education Committee approved Senate Bill 690 this week. Sponsored by Chairman Dawn White (R-Murfreesboro), the bill would allow virtual students to participate in school sports. A school that is a member of the Tennessee Secondary Schools Association (TSSAA) would be required to adhere to the policy held by the association governing virtual student participation. If a school is not a member of an organization, a student will be permitted to compete for their zoned school. Senate Bill 690 will now move to the Senate floor for further consideration.
Adding Tennessee’s Safe Haven Law to family life curriculum - The Senate passed legislation on Thursday to add instruction on Tennessee’s Safe Haven Law to the family life curriculum at Tennessee’s public high schools.
Enacted in 2001, the Tennessee Safe Haven law allows mothers of newborns to surrender unharmed babies to designated facilities within two weeks of birth without fear of being prosecuted. The law was enacted to reduce the number of unsafe abandonment of babies.
Senate Bill 319 is sponsored by Senator Becky Massey (R-Knoxville). Its companion bill is advancing in the House.
Accessing adoption records at age 18 - The Senate Judiciary Committee passed Senate Bill 1267 this week, a measure aimed at making it easier for individuals to access their adoption-related records at a younger age. Sponsored by Majority Leader Jack Johnson (R-Franklin) and Sen. Ferrell Haile (R-Gallatin), the legislation lowers the age a person can access their own adoption records from 21 to 18. This change aims to support greater transparency and provide adoptees with the opportunity to learn more about their background as they transition into adulthood. The bill now moves forward to the Senate Floor for further consideration.
Voluntary foster care expansion - The Senate Judiciary Committee passed Senate Bill 1266 to expand the age limit for young adults to qualify for voluntary foster care from 21 to 23 years old. To qualify, the young adult must have been enrolled in Tennessee’s foster care system on their 18th birthday. The legislation is sponsored by Majority Leader Jack Johnson (R-Franklin) and Sen. Paul Rose (R-Covington) and advances to the Senate Floor for final consideration.
Legislation aims to increase funding for Tennessee Child Advocacy Centers- The Senate Judiciary passed Senate Bill 450, sponsored by Senator Becky Massey (R-Knoxville). Known as the "Savannah Grace Copeland Act" which aims to increase funding for child advocacy centers in Tennessee. It requires that any funding boost for the Department of Children’s Services’ child protective services be matched by a 75% increase for child advocacy centers in each judicial district. The bill also sets new base funding levels, including $127,855.98 for child advocacy centers and $85,000 for each contracted forensic child interviewer. It ensures that no funds will be spent unless specifically approved by the general appropriations act. The bill now heads to the Senate Finance Committee for final consideration.
Expanding racketeering laws to include animal fighting - The Senate Judiciary Committee passed Senate Bill 916 this week. Sponsored by Senator Ferrell Haile (R-Gallatin), this bill adds animal fighting to the definition of “Racketeering Activity”. Additionally, this includes conspiracy, participation, and facilitating regarding the act. The bill will now be heard on the Senate Floor.
Offering online boating license tests - Legislation advanced this week to allow citizens to take an online test to receive a boating license. Senate Bill 561, sponsored by Sen. Tom Hatcher (R-Maryville), also allows the TWRA to set the fee for the certification card and subsequent replacement cards instead of the current statutory fixed fees set at $10 for a certificate and $5 for a replacement card. Senate Bill 561 passed the Senate Energy, Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee this week and moves to the Senate Floor.
Increased mobility for ATVs on roads - The Senate Transportation and Safety Committee approved Senate Bill 728 this week to allow all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and other off-road vehicles to operate on state highways and county roads with a speed limit of 45 miles per hour or lower. Sponsored by Senator Adam Lowe (R-Calhoun), the bill marks a significant step toward expanding the legal use of such vehicles in more areas. This will offer increased mobility for ATV owners while not compromising safety. Senate Bill 728 heads to the Finance Committee.
Criminalizing laser pointer use on vehicles - The Senate Transportation and Safety Committee passed Senate Bill 429 sponsored by Senator Shane Reeves (R-Murfreesboro). The bill criminalizes pointing a laser at a car, boat, aircraft or motor vehicles by making it a Class B Misdemeanor. Under current law, this is only criminalized if a laser is pointed at law enforcement or emergency personnel. This addresses a growing issue, with the FAA tracking 564 planes that were struck in Tennessee during 2023. The bill now heads to the Senate Floor for a final vote.
Increasing penalties for blocking traffic - The Senate Transportation and Safety Committee passed Senate Bill 248 on Wednesday. Sponsored by Chairman Bo Watson (R-Hixson), this bill creates a Class C misdemeanor for someone to park, stop, or leave a vehicle that impedes traffic. This penalty increases to a Class B Misdemeanor if this action contributes to an accident. Senate Bill 248 will now head to the Senate Floor for final consideration.
Addressing homeless encampments - The Senate Transportation and Safety Committee passed Senate Bill 217 on Wednesday. Sponsored by Senator Brent Taylor (R-Memphis), the bill empowers the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) to collaborate with local communities to develop pre-planned strategies for addressing homeless encampments. Under the bill, once a memorandum of understanding (MOU) is signed and actions are taken, both state and local authorities will have clear responsibilities in the relocation of the camps and securing shelter for those affected. Senate Bill 217 now moves to the Senate Floor for a final vote.
Eliminating faxes forever - In a move to modernize government operations in line with advancing technology, the Senate State and Local Government Committee unanimously passed Senate Bill 329. Sponsored by Senator Bill Powers (R-Clarksville), the bill aims to enhance efficiency by removing outdated references to "fax" and "facsimile" in certain statutes. It also mandates that all state departments and agencies accept electronic transmissions, ensuring that these communications are secure, efficient, and aligned with current technological standards. This update helps streamline government processes while safeguarding data integrity. The bill now heads to the Senate Floor for final consideration.
Strengthening state support for 911 emergency centers - This week, the Senate State and Local Government Committee passed Senate Joint Resolution 48, introduced by Chairman Becky Massey (R-Knoxville). The resolution proposes raising the 911 surcharge rate from $1.50 to $1.86, reflecting the current rate of inflation and upgraded technology. This increase will provide additional funding to local emergency districts, ensuring they receive more state support without negatively impacting their budgets. The adjustment is intended to strengthen emergency services and ensure their continued effectiveness. Senate Joint Resolution 48 will now move on to the Senate Finance Committee for further review.
Debt ceiling increase for Tennessee Housing Development Authority - The Senate State and Local Government Committee passed Senate Bill 129 this week to help first time home buyers, middle income families, and veterans purchase homes. Sponsored by Senator Ferrell Haile (R-Gallatin), the bill increases the debt ceiling for the Tennessee Housing Development Authority from $4 billion to $5 billion. Without this increase, the agency would not be able to finance new mortgages by the end of year. Additionally, the agency operates with no financial support from the state, and this will not have a financial impact on the state. Senate Bill 129 now heads to Finance for further consideration.
Greenbelt property ownership - The Senate State and Local Government Committee passed Senate Bill 247, sponsored by Senator Ferrell Haile (R-Gallatin), which provides important clarifications regarding the ownership of Greenbelt properties. Under this bill, property that is designated as Greenbelt and jointly owned by two individuals will not experience a change in ownership in the event of the death or divorce of one of the owners. This provision ensures that the property remains under the same ownership, preserving its Greenbelt status and eligibility. The bill aims to prevent any unintended disruption of property rights during such life events. Senate Bill 247 now moves to the Senate Floor for further review and consideration.
Permitting emergency borrowing for utilities and simplifying bond sale requirements - The Senate State and Local Government Committee passed Senate Bill 518 this week. Sponsored by Chairman Shane Reeves (R-Murfreesboro), this bill allows utilities to borrow money and issue notes for emergency cash flow with approval from their governing body and the comptroller. The comptroller will create a corrective action plan for the utility, which stays in effect until the notes are paid off. The Tennessee Board of Utility Regulation can review the utility and order necessary actions. The board can also remove utility board members for cause, with prompt replacements, but cannot remove elected officials. It also removes the requirement for utility districts to request proposals from five firms before considering bond sales over $50 million. The bill now will be heard on the Senate Floor for further consideration.
Legislation expands Board of Claims responsibility for wrongful imprisonment cases - The Senate State and Local Government Committee passed Senate Bill 477 this week. Sponsored by Senator Janice Bowling (R-Tullahoma), Under current law, the Board of Claims hears compensation claims from individuals wrongfully imprisoned who are exonerated through executive clemency. This bill expands the Board’s responsibility to also hear claims from those whose sentences are vacated and who are determined innocent through new scientific evidence or other legal means. It allows individuals whose charges were dismissed and sentences vacated before this law's enactment to file a claim within one year. Surviving spouses and children can also file claims on behalf of someone who was wrongfully imprisoned and died before filing. Surviving adult children will be eligible for payments from the award, just like minor children. The bill now heads to the Senate Floor for final consideration.
Cooperative purchasing for local government and education maintenance-The Senate State and Local Government Committee unanimously passed Senate Bill 509 Tuesday. This bill allows local governments to use cooperative purchasing agreements to buy materials, labor, and services for maintaining or repairing facilities and grounds owned by local education or government agencies. The bill now goes to the Senate Floor for a vote.
Creating a pathway for recovered healthcare providers to have adverse actions removed from online databases - The Senate Health and Welfare Committee passed Senate Bill 619 this week. Sponsored by Senator Bobby Harshbarger (R-Kingsport), this bill allows healthcare providers with adverse actions on their record to request the removal of related information from the public licensure verification website after completing a substance abuse treatment program and waiting five years. The licensing board will review the request, and if approved, will remove the information from the online database, but it will remain a public record. Senate Bill 619 now heads to the Senate Floor for final consideration.
Medical Ethics Defense Act - The Senate passed legislation this week to ensure a healthcare provider cannot be forced to participate in a healthcare procedure, treatment or service that goes against their morals or conscience. The Medical Ethics Defense Act, sponsored by Speaker Pro Tempore Ferrell Haile (R-Gallatin), safeguards the rights of doctors, nurses and medical students to practice medicine in alignment with their moral ethical and religious beliefs. For example, under the legislation, a doctor would be legally protected if he or she refuses to participate in assisted suicides because of their ethical beliefs. It also explicitly prohibits any kind of discrimination against groups of people. The companion bill to Senate Bill 955 is making its way through the House.
Legislation previously covered that passed the senate this week:
Senate Bill 27 - Sponsored by Pody, strengthens constitutional safeguards on the governor’s use of emergency powers (Week 4)
Senate Bill 221 - Sponsored by Taylor, gives judges a more comprehensive view of a defendant’s criminal history when setting bail (Week 3)
Senate Bill 304 - Sponsored by Haile, provides courts with greater flexibility in admitting forensic interview recordings as evidence in child sexual abuse cases (Week 4)
Senate Bill 306 - Sponsored by Briggs, ensures swift action can be taken against businesses owned or controlled by foreign adversaries (Week 3)
Senate Bill 362 - Sponsored by Briggs, protects veterans and veterans’ service providers from exploitation by private consultants and advisors (Week 4)
Senate Bill 992 - Sponsored by Haile, streamlines juvenile case management across the state (Week 4)
Senate Bill 1017 - Sponsored by White, improves accessibility of parking for disabled veterans (Week 4)
Senate Bill 1018 - Sponsored by White, ensures students are not charged additional tuition or fees when attending a charter school in the county in which they live (Week 4)
Senate Bill 1019 - Sponsored by White, improves direct funding for charter schools (Week 4)
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