TENNESSEE STATE LAWS
LAW CONFIRMATION
Public Chapter 768 — Tennessee Procurement Protection Act
Law: HB 548 / Public Chapter 768
Official Title: Tennessee Procurement Protection Act
Status: Signed by Governor April 21, 2026.
Effective Date: July 1, 2026.
Primary Source: Tennessee General Assembly.
LAW SUMMARY
WHAT IT DOES
Creates the Tennessee Procurement Protection Act.
Restricts Tennessee state agencies and political subdivisions from contracting for certain information and communications technology with companies classified as foreign adversary companies.
Requires companies bidding on covered contracts to certify that they are not foreign adversary companies and are not knowingly selling covered final products or services produced by a foreign adversary company.
Applies to certain technology products and services involving information and communications technology.
Defines a foreign adversary using the federal Department of Commerce designation.
The law's definition includes countries such as China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, and Russia, based on the applicable federal designation.
False certification can result in a civil penalty of the greater of $250,000 or twice the contract amount.
A company violating the certification requirement can be prohibited from contracting with Tennessee for 60 months.
Allows an exception when there is no reasonable alternative and the appropriate procurement authority determines that not obtaining the product or service would pose a greater threat to Tennessee.
Cost to taxpayers/employers:
The official fiscal summary estimates approximately $356,800 in General Fund expenditures for FY2025–26 and $349,000 annually thereafter, with two additional positions required.
Who it affects:
Tennessee state agencies, political subdivisions, technology vendors, contractors, and companies seeking qualifying government contracts.
Who sponsored/initiated it:
The House bill was sponsored by Rep. Cochran, with Zachary, Todd, and Reeves listed as additional sponsors. The Senate companion was sponsored by Sen. Rose, with Roberts as an additional sponsor.
Who opposed/concerns raised:
The final House concurrence vote was 73–22, while the Senate vote was 21–8. The official record does not establish one unified reason for all opposing votes, so I won't attribute a single position to every opponent.
✅ PROS
Limits certain government technology purchases from companies considered foreign adversaries.
Requires vendors to make a formal certification.
Creates significant penalties for false certifications.
Gives the state a mechanism to terminate contracts involving violations.
Allows an exception when no reasonable alternative exists.
❌ CONS
Adds compliance requirements for businesses seeking government contracts.
State agencies must conduct additional procurement and certification procedures.
The state expects additional administrative expenditures.
Businesses could face substantial penalties and a five-year contracting prohibition for violations.
WHAT IT DOES
Public Chapter 768 restricts Tennessee government entities from purchasing certain information and communications technology from foreign adversary companies and requires covered vendors to certify their eligibility.
WHY THIS MATTERS TO YOU
If you operate a technology company that contracts with Tennessee government, this law can directly affect your eligibility for contracts. You may need to provide certification concerning your company's ownership, control, and covered technology products.
For taxpayers, the law is intended to reduce potential security risks associated with government technology procurement.
THE BALLOT BEACON TAKEAWAY
Tennessee's Procurement Protection Act creates new technology-procurement restrictions and vendor certification requirements, targeting certain government purchases involving companies connected to designated foreign adversaries.
LAW CONFIRMATION
Public Chapter 1066 — Artificial Intelligence Study
Law: SB 1493 / Public Chapter 1066
Official Title: An Act to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 29; Title 33; Title 39 and Title 47, relative to artificial intelligence.
Status: Signed by Governor May 22, 2026.
Effective Date: May 22, 2026.
Primary Source: Tennessee General Assembly.
LAW SUMMARY
WHAT IT DOES
Requires the Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations (TACIR) to conduct a statewide study of artificial intelligence.
The study must examine AI safety concerns affecting Tennessee and its children.
It must examine potential solutions and protections for those concerns.
It must review how other states are regulating AI and online access.
The study must address seven specified components in the final legislation.
TACIR must submit its report to the Governor and both legislative speakers by January 31, 2027.
The law is a study and reporting measure, not a broad statewide AI ban or comprehensive AI regulation.
Important correction from the original bill:
The original version of SB 1493 would have created criminal and civil penalties involving certain AI behavior. The Legislature rewrote the bill before final passage. The enacted version instead requires TACIR to study AI and make recommendations.
Cost to taxpayers/employers:
The official fiscal summary lists the fiscal impact as not significant.
Who it affects:
Tennessee state policymakers, TACIR, AI developers and users, businesses using AI, parents and children, and potentially future legislation concerning AI regulation.
Who sponsored/initiated it:
The Senate bill was sponsored by Sen. Massey, with Sen. Yager listed as an additional sponsor. The House companion was sponsored by Rep. Littleton, with numerous additional sponsors.
Who opposed/concerns raised:
The final House vote was 88–0. The Senate ultimately concurred in the House amendment 26–4. Because the final version was substantially different from the original proposal, the recorded votes do not establish a single unified opposition rationale.
✅ PROS
Gives Tennessee policymakers time to study AI before imposing broader regulations.
Specifically considers risks affecting children.
Reviews approaches already being used by other states.
Requires formal recommendations for future legislation or policy.
Avoids immediately imposing broad new compliance requirements on businesses.
❌ CONS
Does not itself create comprehensive AI safety protections.
The study delays any broader regulatory response until policymakers consider its recommendations.
AI-related risks can continue to evolve while the study is being conducted.
Future legislation will still be necessary if Tennessee decides additional protections are warranted.
WHAT IT DOES
Public Chapter 1066 requires Tennessee to conduct a formal study of artificial intelligence risks, particularly risks affecting children, and submit recommendations to state policymakers by January 31, 2027.
WHY THIS MATTERS TO YOU
If you use or develop AI technology in Tennessee, this law is important because the state's first major step is to study AI risks and examine how other states are responding. The resulting report could influence future Tennessee AI legislation.
THE BALLOT BEACON TAKEAWAY
Public Chapter 1066 puts Tennessee on a path toward potential future AI regulation by requiring a statewide study of AI safety, children's risks, and other states' regulatory approaches before lawmakers decide what additional protections may be needed.
LAW CONFIRMATION
Law or Bill: HB 1 (2025)
Official Title: Education Freedom Act of 2025
Effective Date: 2025 (phased implementation starting July 1, 2025 for key provisions)
Primary Sources: Tennessee General Assembly HB 1 bill record; Tennessee legislative summaries (legislature.ohio.gov, legiscan.com, Tennessee bill text archive)
LAW SUMMARY
What it does:
• Expands Tennessee’s school choice system, including broader access to education funding options outside traditional public schools.
• Supports education funding flexibility for families choosing alternative schooling options.
• Adjusts parts of Tennessee’s K–12 education funding and governance structure. (turn0search1)
Cost to taxpayers or employers: NOT SPECIFIED IN PUBLIC RECORDS (funding shifts within education budget rather than a single new tax)
Who it affects: Public school districts, charter schools, private school families, homeschool students, teachers, and Tennessee taxpayers
Who sponsored or initiated it: Tennessee General Assembly (House leadership; bill paired with Senate education legislation)
Who opposed it or concerns raised: Public school advocates, teacher organizations, and some policy groups raised concerns about funding shifts away from public schools and potential unequal resource distribution
✅ PROS
• Expands school choice options for families
• Increases flexibility in how education funding can be used
• Encourages competition among education providers
❌ CONS
• May reduce funding stability for traditional public schools
• Could increase inequality between districts and school types
• Critics argue it may divert public resources into private education systems
WHAT IT DOES
• Creates a statewide framework expanding education funding flexibility for families choosing non-traditional schooling.
• Adjusts how certain education funds can be accessed and allocated across school types.
WHY THIS MATTERS TO YOU
• If you have children in school → this may change your schooling options and funding access
• If you work in education → this may affect public school funding and enrollment patterns
• Because the law changes education funding structure → this affects how state education dollars are distributed
• If you live in Tennessee → this influences long-term public vs private education balance
THE BALLOT BEACON TAKEAWAY:
Tennessee HB 1 expands school choice and restructures education funding flexibility, shifting how public education dollars can be used across different schooling options.
LAW CONFIRMATION
Law or Bill: Public Chapter 1007
Official Title: Domestic Violence Offender Registry Act
Effective Date: January 1, 2026
Primary Sources: Tennessee Secretary of State — 2024 enacted laws list (Public Chapter 1007)
LAW SUMMARY
What it does: Creates a public registry of certain repeat domestic violence offenders.
Allows victims, law enforcement, and the public to check if someone has been designated under the law.
Cost to taxpayers or employers: NOT SPECIFIED IN PUBLIC RECORDS
Who it affects: Domestic violence offenders meeting the statutory criteria, law enforcement, victims, and the community.
Who sponsored or initiated it: NOT SPECIFIED IN public primary sources
Who opposed it or concerns raised: Some civil liberties and privacy advocates raised concerns about public labeling and potential misuse.
✅ PROS
Improves public awareness of repeat domestic violence offenders
Helps law enforcement tracking
May deter future offenses
❌ CONS
Raises privacy concerns for listed individuals
Could complicate rehabilitation efforts
Potential misuse of registry data
THE BALLOT BEACON TAKEAWAY:
Tennessee will launch a public registry for certain repeat domestic violence offenders beginning January 1, 2026.
LAW CONFIRMATION
Law or Bill: Public Chapter 978
Official Title: Implied Consent and DUI Testing Penalties Act
Effective Date: January 1, 2026
Primary Sources: Tennessee Secretary of State — 2024 enacted laws list (Public Chapter 978)
LAW SUMMARY
What it does: Expands penalties for drivers who refuse chemical testing (blood/breath) during DUI stops.
Strengthens administrative consequences and fines for test refusal under implied consent rules.
Cost to taxpayers or employers: NOT SPECIFIED IN PUBLIC RECORDS
Who it affects: Drivers charged with DUI and law enforcement agencies enforcing DUI laws.
Who sponsored or initiated it: NOT SPECIFIED IN public primary sources
Who opposed it or concerns raised: Some legal advocates and defense groups expressed concerns about implied consent expansion and individual rights.
✅ PROS
Strengthens DUI enforcement tools
May deter test refusal
Supports road safety efforts
❌ CONS
Raises concerns about individual rights and consent
Could increase legal challenges
May burden courts and enforcement agencies
THE BALLOT BEACON TAKEAWAY:
Tennessee imposes stricter penalties for refusing DUI chemical tests starting January 1, 2026.
LAW CONFIRMATION
Law or Bill: Public Chapter 991
Official Title: Hemp Product Regulation Act
Effective Date: January 1, 2026
Primary Sources: Tennessee Secretary of State — 2024 enacted laws list (Public Chapter 991)
LAW SUMMARY
What it does: Establishes new regulations for hemp-derived products, including THCA.
Requires licensing, labeling, testing, and restrictions on product types such as smokable hemp.
Cost to taxpayers or employers: NOT SPECIFIED IN PUBLIC RECORDS
Who it affects: Hemp growers, processors, retailers, consumers, and regulatory agencies.
Who sponsored or initiated it: NOT SPECIFIED IN public primary sources
Who opposed or concerns raised: Some hemp industry stakeholders argued that strict rules could hurt small businesses and product availability.
✅ PROS
Clarifies regulatory standards for hemp products
Aims to protect consumers with testing and labeling rules
Restricts products of greatest public health concern
❌ CONS
Higher compliance costs for producers/retailers
Could limit product choices available in the market
Regulatory burden on smaller businesses
THE BALLOT BEACON TAKEAWAY:
Tennessee launches new hemp product licensing and regulation rules, including THCA restrictions, on January 1, 2026.
LAW CONFIRMATION
Law or Bill: Public Chapter 1007
Official Title: Domestic Violence Offender Registry Act
Effective Date: January 1, 2026
Primary Sources: Tennessee General Assembly – Public Chapter 1007 (2024)
LAW SUMMARY
What it does: Creates a public registry for certain repeat domestic violence offenders.
Cost to taxpayers or employers: NOT SPECIFIED IN PUBLIC RECORDS
Who it affects: People convicted of repeat domestic violence crimes.
Who sponsored or initiated it: NOT SPECIFIED IN PUBLIC RECORDS
Who opposed it or concerns raised: Some civil liberties groups raised privacy and due process concerns.
✅ PROS
Creates public awareness of repeat offenders
May help victims and families stay informed
Adds another tracking tool for law enforcement
❌ CONS
Privacy concerns for people listed
Possible long-term impact on rehabilitation
Risk of misuse of public registry information
THE BALLOT BEACON TAKEAWAY:
Tennessee will begin publicly listing certain repeat domestic violence offenders starting in 2026.
LAW CONFIRMATION
Law or Bill: DUI Implied Consent Expansion
Official Title: DUI Implied Consent and Testing Expansion
Effective Date: January 1, 2026
Primary Sources: Tennessee General Assembly – 2026 Effective Laws Summary
LAW SUMMARY
What it does: Expands penalties for drivers who refuse blood or chemical testing after a DUI stop.
Cost to taxpayers or employers: NOT SPECIFIED IN PUBLIC RECORDS
Who it affects: Drivers suspected of DUI.
Who sponsored or initiated it: NOT SPECIFIED IN PUBLIC RECORDS
Who opposed it or concerns raised: Some legal advocates raised concerns about testing rights.
✅ PROS
Stronger enforcement of DUI laws
Encourages compliance with testing
May reduce impaired driving incidents
❌ CONS
Concerns about personal rights
Possible legal challenges
Could increase court workload
THE BALLOT BEACON TAKEAWAY:
Drivers who refuse DUI testing may face stricter penalties in Tennessee starting in 2026.
LAW CONFIRMATION
Law or Bill: Hemp Product Regulation Act
Official Title: Hemp Product Regulation
Effective Date: January 1, 2026
Primary Sources: Tennessee General Assembly – 2026 Effective Laws Summary
LAW SUMMARY
What it does: Places new restrictions on certain hemp-derived products such as THCA.
Cost to taxpayers or employers: NOT SPECIFIED IN PUBLIC RECORDS
Who it affects: Hemp product sellers, manufacturers, and consumers.
Who sponsored or initiated it: NOT SPECIFIED IN PUBLIC RECORDS
Who opposed it or concerns raised: Industry groups raised concerns about business impact.
✅ PROS
Adds clearer rules for hemp products
Addresses public safety concerns
Provides structure to a growing market
❌ CONS
May impact hemp businesses
Could limit product availability
Possible enforcement challenges
THE BALLOT BEACON TAKEAWAY:
New rules on hemp-derived products like THCA will take effect in Tennessee in 2026.
LAW #1: RESTRICTING STUDENT USE OF PHONES & SMART DEVICES IN CLASS (SCHOOLS POLICY)
Statute / Bill: New law passed in 2025 – part of Tennessee bills that take effect July 1. School boards & public charter schools must adopt policies about cell phones, tablets, smartwatches. (https://www.wsmv.com)
Effective: July 1, 2025 (https://www.wsmv.com)
What it does: Public school boards and charter schools must make rules that prevent students from using phones/smart devices during instructional periods (class time). (https://www.wsmv.com)
Some exceptions: students with disabilities may use devices if needed, or when device used for classroom presentations. (https://www.wsmv.com)
Cost to taxpayers / state budget: Pretty minimal for the state government. Schools will incur costs/training to implement policies; maybe signage; teacher/staff compliance/training.
Who it helps / affects
Helps: Teachers and students by reducing distractions in class; students who struggle with focus or disruptions.
Affects: Students who use devices in class; parents who may have relied on devices for communication; schools must enforce new rules.
Who sponsored / who opposed: Passed by Tennessee legislature in regular session; signalled in news summaries. (https://www.wsmv.com). Likely supported by education groups; possibly opposition from those who believe devices have educational or emergency utility.
✅ PROS
Classrooms more focused; fewer distractions.
Encourages learning environment with fewer interruptions.
❌ CONS
Some students may find restrictions too strict.
Enforcement might be difficult / inconsistent across schools.
Device use for learning or emergencies might get caught in the restrictions.
THE BALLOT BEACON TAKEAWAY:
From July 1, 2025, Tennessee schools must limit student use of phones/smart devices during instructional time—aiming for better focus in classrooms, with extra effort needed by schools to enforce fairness.
LAW #2: NEW LAWS ON DEEPFAKES, LAB-GROWN MEAT, OVERDOSE IMMUNITY & MORE (MULTIPLE AREAS)
Statute / Laws: Multiple bills taking effect July 1, 2025. (Axios)
Effective: July 1, 2025 for many of them. (https://www.wsmv.com)
What it does:
Some of the key highlights:
Criminal penalties if someone shelters undocumented immigrants (charged under “human smuggling”). (Axios)
Expanded “Good Samaritan” protections: people calling for help for someone overdosing (alcohol or drugs) get immunity. (Axios)
Payday lenders allowed to charge up to 36% interest on loans over $100. (Axios)
Lab-grown meat must have permits; can’t be labeled as “meat.” (Axios)
Foster care extended to age 23 for youth who are working or in school. (Axios)
Civil lawsuits now allowed for people harmed by sexually explicit AI-deepfakes. (Axios)
Cost to taxpayers / state budget: Admin & enforcement costs for new permit/licensing systems (lab-grown meat etc.).
Possible legal cost for defending or adjudicating lawsuits (deepfakes).
Some increased burden on regulatory agencies.
Who it helps / affects
Helps: Overdose victims or those helping them (via immunity); foster youth; consumers demanding transparency; those victimized by deepfake harms.
Affects: Lenders (payday), lab-grown meat companies, people providing shelter to undocumented folks, people making or distributing deepfake content.
Who sponsored / who opposed: Various sponsors for each law—legislature approved them. News reports mention Gov. Bill Lee signed many. (Axios)
Opposition likely from interest groups: payday lender critics, immigrant rights groups, free speech concerns for deepfake rules.
✅ PROS
Broad protection & regulation in new technological, social, and health areas.
More safety and clear rules (deepfakes, lab meat, overdose help).
Support for vulnerable populations (foster youth).
❌ CONS
Some laws may impose heavy compliance/regulation costs.
Pay-day lender law potentially burdensome interest to borrowers.
Enforcement and clarity issues (how deepfake law works, permitting etc.).
THE BALLOT BEACON TAKEAWAY:
On July 1, 2025, Tennessee rolled out several new laws covering deepfakes, lab-grown meat, overdose protections, loans, foster care age, and more—big step across tech, health, finance; with both protection gains and regulatory cost trade-offs.
LAW #3: MUNICIPAL SALES TAX & LOCAL REVENUE / REVENUE DEPARTMENT CHANGES (TAX LAW CHANGES)
Statute / Laws: From Tennessee’s 2025 Department of Revenue legislative summaries. (Tennessee State Government)
Effective: Various dates; many July 1, 2025; some Jan 1, 2026. (Tennessee State Government)
What it does
Some specific tax changes include: Withholding up to 15% of annual sales tax revenue allocated to municipalities with two or more outstanding late annual audits. (Tennessee State Government)
Exemption of certain sales for wine consumed at wineries from “liquor by the drink” tax when on winery premises. (Tennessee State Government)
Changes in how local occupancy tax applies (first 30 days stay in short-term rentals / hotels subject to occupancy tax on certain rental agreements). (Tennessee State Government)
New wholesale tax on vapor products (10%) and licensing requirements for retailers/distributors. (Tennessee State Government)
Cost to taxpayers / state budget: Municipalities with audit issues lose some revenue until audits are cleared. Wine/farm producers benefit; tax revenue for liquor/tourism may shift. Tax on vapor products adds cost to consumers, new collection for state.
Who it helps / affects
Helps: State revenue; municipalities that are compliant; wine producers and wineries on premises; public health advocates via vapor regulation.
Affects: Municipalities with audit issues; consumers of vapor products; retailers of such products; businesses in hospitality/short term rentals.
Who sponsored / who opposed: These are administrative or revenue department bills, part of broader budgeting and tax code reforms. (Tennessee State Government)
Opposition likely from business/tourism interests (on occupancy tax), discount vapor/lower end users, municipalities which might lose revenue.
✅ PROS
Clamps down on audit delays; encourages financial accountability in municipalities.
Clarifies tax obligations, captures revenue from vapor product sales.
Benefits wineries and tourist sectors on winery premises.
❌ CONS
Consumers lose (vape costs up, occupancy rentals cost more).
Some local governments may suffer revenue losses or have to clean up audit issues at cost.
THE BALLOT BEACON TAKEAWAY:
Tennessee’s 2025 tax & revenue changes (effective many July 1) include stricter audit accountability for cities, new taxes on vapor products, occupancy taxes on rentals, and exemptions for winery wine sales — rebalancing revenue and compliance, with costs for consumers and municipalities trailing behind.
LAW #4: ACCREDITATION STIPEND INCREASE FOR COUNTIES HOUSING FELONS (SB 0186)
Statute / Bill: SB 0186 — increases the accreditation stipend for eligible counties for each convicted felon housed in county facilities. (LegiScan)
Effective: May 9, 2025 (Public Chapter 531) (LegiScan)
What it does: Counties that house convicted felons (i.e. county jails etc.) get a higher stipend (a type of state payment) for accreditation/standards for those facilities under certain conditions. (LegiScan)
Cost to taxpayers / state budget: Increased payment from state budget to counties. The total depends on how many felons / how many counties qualify.
Who it helps / affects
Helps: County governments, county jail facilities—funding for maintaining accreditation standards.
Affects: State budget; maybe taxpayers indirectly via state budget; counties that do not house many felons see less benefit.
Who sponsored / who opposed: Passed in 2025 legislature; becoming law. (LegiScan). Likely support from counties and local officials; opposition limited (some concerns about cost).
✅ PROS
Better funding for county jails to meet accreditation standards (which may improve safety, standards, oversight).
Counties better able to maintain required accreditation benchmarks.
❌ CONS
Higher expenditure for state; could squeeze other budget items.
Counties that are failing accreditation or with fewer inmates may gain less benefit.
THE BALLOT BEACON TAKEAWAY:
SB 0186 took effect May 9, 2025: Tennessee will pay counties more per convicted felon housed to help fund accreditation of local jails — boosting standards, with bigger price tag for the state.