KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) – A wide-ranging set of new Tennessee laws will take effect July 1, 2026, following passage during the 114th General Assembly.
The legislation impacts everything from immigration enforcement and criminal penalties to school safety, health protections and technology use in classrooms. Below is a breakdown of several key laws and what they mean for Tennesseans:
Immigration Enforcement Privacy Law
HB2506/SB1464
Restricts state and local governments from releasing personal information about law enforcement officers involved in immigration operations, including names, phone numbers and addresses.
Penalties for Ignoring Deportation Orders
SB1779/HB1704
Creates a Class A misdemeanor for individuals who remain in Tennessee more than 90 days after being ordered to leave the United States.
Local Law Enforcement & ICE Agreements
HB2018/SB1486
Requires local law enforcement agencies to enter into agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Citizenship Requirements for Benefits & Licenses
SB1915/HB1710 & HB1709/SB1901
Mandates proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency to receive public benefits or obtain professional licenses.
Drink Spiking Prevention Law
SB2372/HB2301
Requires bars and restaurants to provide drug testing kits for customers. Also makes drink spiking a Class D felony punishable by up to 12 years in prison.
Retail Theft Crackdown
SB2265/HB2140
Establishes tougher penalties for organized or repeat retail theft, including mandatory jail time when a firearm is involved.
Threats Against Schools and Child Care
SB0591/HB1273
Makes threatening mass violence at schools, preschools or religious institutions a Class E felony.
Child Trafficking Education in Schools
SB1710/HB1527
Requires public schools to teach students about child trafficking awareness and prevention.
Epinephrine Access in Schools
SB1716/HB1550
Allows schools to stock and administer epinephrine for life-threatening allergic reactions.
Limiting Classroom Screen Time
HB2393/SB2310
Aims to reduce technology use in elementary classrooms to encourage more traditional learning.
Teacher-Student Relationship Restrictions
HB1973/SB2106
Expands prohibitions on inappropriate relationships between teachers and students.
Coercive Suicide Prevention Law
HB1951/SB1815
Makes it a Class D felony to intentionally encourage or pressure someone to attempt or die by suicide.
Deadly Force to Protect Property
SB1847/HB1802
Allows the use of deadly force in certain circumstances when protecting property.
Drug Testing in Mass Shooting Cases
HB2013/SB2088
Requires toxicology testing of suspected mass shooters when four or more people are killed.
Child Influencer Protections
SB1460/HB1723
Strengthens labor protections and requires proper compensation for child influencers featured in online content.
AI Mental Health Restrictions
SB1580/HB1470
Prohibits companies from marketing artificial intelligence systems as licensed mental health professionals.
Child Care and DCS Changes
HB2413/SB2509 & HB1966/SB1622
Streamlines the process for opening child care facilities while overhauling quality assurance within the Department of Children’s Services.
Emergency Care for Pregnant Women
HB1943/SB1681
Adds protections for pregnant women seeking emergency medical treatment.
Underage Tobacco and Vape Penalties
SB1740/HB1679
Introduces fines, community service and education requirements for individuals under 21 who purchase tobacco or vaping products illegally.
Religious Impact Education (“Charlie Kirk Act”)
HB1822/SB1828
Requires public schools to include instruction on the positive impact of religion in American history.
Officials say these laws are designed to improve public safety, modernize regulations and address growing concerns across the state.
