2026 Legislative Preview

As the new year is here, state lawmakers are finalizing legislative priorities in preparation for the second session of the 114th Tennessee General Assembly.

Republicans will continue their efforts to make the Volunteer State the most successful in the nation by improving public safety, managing public funds wisely and working with President Donald J. Trump's administration to address illegal immigration. The 75-member

supermajority has led the nation in passing conservative priorities, including a prohibition on minors undergoing irreversible and harmful medical procedures to change their gender identity, which the U.S. Supreme Court upheld in June.

Several legislative task forces created in the first session of the 114th General Assembly met over the summer to discuss topics including K-12 testing standards, solid waste management and federal education deregulation. State representatives can introduce up to 10 bills. The second legislative session is scheduled to convene at noon on Jan. 13.

Republicans Prioritize Fiscal Health, Government Efficiency

The House Finance, Ways and Means Committee in late October held a series of budget hearings to review the performance and financial status of state agencies since 2020.

Led by House Finance, Ways and Means Committee Chair Gary Hicks, R-Rogersville, the hearings were part of the Republican supermajority's ongoing efforts to ensure transparency, accountability and fiscal responsibility in state government. This served as a key step in preparing for the upcoming legislative session and for developing the state's 2026-27 state budget.

Department heads and agency leaders appeared before lawmakers to provide detailed updates on spending, program outcomes and future funding needs. Committee members focused on how taxpayer dollars have been utilized over the past five years and identified opportunities for greater efficiency across state operations.

"Every dollar the state spends belongs to the people of Tennessee," Hicks said. "Our responsibility is to make sure those dollars are being used wisely and effectively. By taking a close look at agency performance over the last five years, we can better understand what's working, where improvements are needed, and how to ensure Tennessee remains on a strong fiscal path."

Eugene Neubert, deputy commissioner for the Tennessee Department of Finance and Administration, provided committee members with an overview of the state's financial health, focusing on the strategic investments the state has made since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and the effects of expiring federal dollars on ongoing operations.

"Over the past several years, Tennessee has faced challenges unlike any in our history. We've seen a global pandemic, we've had economic uncertainty, yet through it all, our state has emerged stronger," he said.

Neubert discussed how the state leveraged COVID-19 relief funds, including $2.3 billion from the CARES Act and $3.7 billion from the American Rescue Plan. These funds were used to help stabilize Tennessee jobs, expand educational resources, modernize infrastructure and broadband, as well as bolster key industries such as health care, agriculture, and tourism.

"Tennessee didn't just weather the storm; we built a stronger foundation for our future," Neubert said. "From stabilizing communities in crisis to modernizing the infrastructure that will serve future generations, these investments reflect a legacy of resilience, equity, and opportunity for every Tennessean."

2021-25 Major Investments

• $4.3 Billion – Transportation

• $3.9 Billion – Capitol Outlay & Maintenance

• $3.1 Billion – Higher Ed. Capital Outlay & Maintenance

• $1 Billion – Workforce Development (TCATS)

• $900 Million – TN Consolidated Retirement

• $736 Million – Rainy Day Fund

• $550 Million – Other Post Employment Benefits

• $536 Million – Law Enforcement Communications

• $248 Million – Support for Air Carriers & General Aviation

• $171 Million – Violent Crime Intervention Grants

• $149 Million – Education Freedom Scholarships

• $120 Million – Nuclear Energy Initiatives

• $40 Million – K-12 Vocational Education

Tennessee's conservative budgeting practices have positioned the state as a national leader in fiscal stability and economic growth.

Since 2012, Tennessee's Republican supermajority has delivered more than $5.2 billion in tax relief to citizens. The Volunteer State collects no income tax and consistently ranks among the most fiscally responsible and lowest-taxed states in the nation. Tennesseans can explore how their tax dollars are spent through an interactive budget transparency tool available on the state's official website.

Unemployment, New Business Filings Signal Economic Growth

Tennessee's seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate held steady in September at 3.6% as the Volunteer State's economy continues to show signs of strength.

Unemployment decreased from August to September in 27 counties, remained the same in 39 counties and increased in 29 counties. Sevier, Williamson and Cheatham counties had the lowest rates at 2.8%, 2.8% and 2.9% respectively, according to the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development.

Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett's office recorded 20,917 new business filings in the third quarter of this year, a record for any third quarter since tracking began. New filings increased by nearly 15% over the third quarter of last year. Annual reports, which are business renewals, declined by 25%.

A new report from the University of Tennessee's Boyd Center for Business and Economic Research predicts the state's inflation-adjusted gross domestic product (GDP) will increase by 2% next year, which is more than projected for 2025 but less than the growth rate in 2023 and 2024. Job growth in Tennessee is positive but has slowed compared to recent years, adding roughly 24,000 jobs in 2025. The report projects the addition of 31,400 jobs, a 0.9% increase, next year, below Tennessee's average of 60,000.

"In the coming year, as we continue to see major projects move forward — some with multi-billion-dollar investments spanning industries from advanced energy to next-generation manufacturing — we are confident that Tennessee will remain a top destination for companies seeking a talented workforce, a supportive business climate and a place where long-term investment can thrive," said Stuart C. McWhorter, deputy governor and commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development.

Consumer spending in Tennessee remains strong, which could keep the state's economic growth positive, according to Larry Kessler, a research associate professor at the Boyd Center.

Preparing for Federal Education Deregulation

As the Trump administration moves to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and return control to the states, Tennessee lawmakers are preparing for potential shifts in oversight and funding. In April, the Tennessee General Assembly passed legislation establishing the Federal Education Deregulation Cooperation Task Force to ensure the state can effectively respond to any deregulation or dismantling of the ED.

The seven-member task force met several times over the last eight months to discuss what the future would look like without federal education oversight. It identified the federal K-12 funding Tennessee receives, federal requirements tied to those dollars, state resources needed to manage them and the number of positions supported by federal funds. The group also discussed programs and resources supported by federal funds.

The task force will submit its final recommendations to the General Assembly by Dec. 31.

Task Force Delivers Major Public Safety Wins in Memphis

Following years of failed local Democratic control and an expanding crime crisis, President Donald Trump and Gov. Bill Lee have taken action to make Memphis safe and prosperous again.

The Memphis Safe Task Force began operations on Sept. 29. As of Dec. 15, the task force has reported:

• 4,081 arrests, including 400 known gang members and 15 homicide suspects

• 629 illegal firearms seized

• 123 missing children located

• Substantial quantities of narcotics confiscated

The U.S. Marshals Service reports dramatic drops in crime across Memphis:

• Homicides down 39%

• Sexual assaults down 43%

• Robberies down 59%

• Car thefts down 69%

"The people of Memphis deserve to be safe. Every American deserves to be safe, to go to the grocery store, to take their kids to school, to be able to go to church on a Sunday without fear," U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said in November. "In 2024, Memphis had the highest violent crime rate – the highest – in the entire country. Memphis' total crime rate was 344% higher than the national average. No longer."

Several local and state Democratic officials launched a legal challenge in October against the deployment of the Tennessee National Guard as part of the task force.

Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti has appealed a Nashville judge's order blocking the deployment, citing the "grave emergency" of the city's crime problem. Skrmetti's office also pointed to the monetary and public safety costs associated with removing Guard members, including the potential of wasting millions of dollars in operational expenses.

"Thanks to the work of the Task Force, Memphis is the safest it's been in decades," Skrmetti said. "We look forward to litigating these important issues on appeal and clarifying the law for the generations to come."

The National Guard continues to support the task force's efforts as the legal process plays out.

Republicans Launch K-12 Innovation Effort

Tennessee lawmakers passed legislation this spring establishing the Advisory Committee on Innovations in K-12 Education to analyze changes to various education requirements and policies to improve outcomes for students and educators.

The 10-member committee heard from state officials and school administrators on a variety of topics as they evaluated standardized testing, attendance, principal and teacher evaluations, screening requirements for Response to Intervention (RTI) in schools, health coverage and compensation for educators, expansion of teacher permits and the option to allow Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses to substitute for certain graduation requirements.

The establishment of the task force is part of Tennessee Republicans' ongoing efforts to improve academic outcomes through innovative solutions. Proposed strategies and recommendations will be reported to the General Assembly and the Tennessee Department of Education by Dec. 31.

TBI Report Shows Drop in Crime Across Tennessee

A report from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) revealed the state's crime rate has continued to trend downward since Republicans gained the majority in the General Assembly.

The 2024 Crime in Tennessee report, which is based on statistics submitted by law enforcement agencies across the state, shows homicides down 19.25%, rapes down nearly 4%, and drops in other crimes against persons, property and society since 2023.

Meth offenses, arson, juvenile arrests and gun thefts from vehicles all decreased, while DUIs, animal cruelty offenses and weapon law violations increased.

Tennessee Republicans have enacted smart-on-crime policies over the last decade to make our streets safer, protect law enforcement and reduce recidivism rates. In 2024, the Volunteer State achieved its lowest crime rate in the past 25 years, at 6,601 Group A offenses per 100,000 people, down from 10,679 per 100,000 in 2005 under a Democratic majority. The Republican supermajority invested $378 million in new spending to improve public safety in 2025.

Tennessee Ranked Least Vulnerable to Federal Pressure

Tennessee has been recognized as the least vulnerable state to pressure from the federal government.

The Volunteer State topped the State Policy Network's (SPN) Federalism Scorecard with a score of 67.18, indicating its strength against pressure and influence from federal agencies and federal funding cuts.

The recognition highlights the Tennessee Republican supermajority's efforts to improve residents' lives through common-sense conservative governance.

"The Tennessee legislature has taken important steps to protect their state from federal overreach and ensure the will of Tennesseans comes before the wishes of D.C. bureaucrats," SPN Center for Practical Federalism Fellow Steve Johnson said.

In its federalism assessment, the SPN cited a law passed by the Republican supermajority last year that requires federal ED rule implementation directives to be provided to the Tennessee General Assembly.

Another Republican measure to improve accountability includes a new process requiring state agencies to notify and, in some cases, obtain approval from the General Assembly before requesting or accepting federal grant dollars, increasing transparency for the legislature and the public.

The SPN also recognized Tennessee for being the only state to provide an easy avenue for citizens to seek injunctive relief from actions taken by a state agency.

Polls Show Majority of Tennesseans Approve of State's Direction

New polls from Vanderbilt University and the Beacon Center of Tennessee show most Tennesseans are confident in the direction the state is headed.

The November 2025 poll from the Beacon Center revealed 61% of respondents, including 81% of Republicans, 33% of Democrats and 47% of independents, are satisfied with the way things are going in the Volunteer State. Under Republican leadership, crime rates have declined, academic outcomes have improved and the economy continues to grow.

Most respondents also approve of the decision to send National Guardsmen to Memphis as part of the Memphis Safe Task Force. Additional poll results include:

• 47% satisfied with K-12 public education in Tennessee

• Most Republicans (67%) view capitalism favorably, while most Democrats (54%) view socialism favorably

• 52% believe there is not enough religion in public schools, including 68% of Republicans

• 67% of Republicans and 29% of Democrats "definitely" believe public schools should allow prayer or Bible readings

• Most respondents support reforming Tennessee's certificate of need requirement to open a health care facility

Vanderbilt University released its statewide fall 2025 poll in December, revealing support for the direction of Tennessee's economy but weariness over the cost of living. The poll found strong support for the General Assembly among 54% of Tennesseans and for Gov. Bill Lee, at 58%.

Sixty-one percent of respondents feel the Volunteer State's economy is good, while 41% reported the same about the U.S. economy. Still, an increasing number of Tennesseans are worried about the cost of emergencies, including medical bills and car repairs, while 51% expressed concern over the ability to pay for typical monthly bills.

Remembering Jeff Burkhart

State Rep. Jeff Burkhart, R-Clarksville, unexpectedly passed away on Nov. 14 at the age of 63. He represented District 75 since 2022.

Burkhart dedicated his life to public service, including with the Clarksville Fire Department, Clarksville City Council and the Tennessee General Assembly. His leadership on infrastructure improvements, education, public safety and support for working families will leave a lasting impact on the Volunteer State.

Burkhart passed the Real Estate Infrastructure Development Act earlier this year, allowing local governments to establish Infrastructure Development Districts (IDDs) to fund capital projects through special assessments and bonds. In 2024, he protected Tennesseans' wallets by passing a new law that excludes the term "Central Bank Digital Currency" from the definition of money in the Volunteer State.

Another law passed by Burkhart in 2024 expanded Tennessee's greenbelt program by increasing the maximum acreage of farm property that could be protected from 1,500 to 3,000. Burkhart helped secure hundreds of millions of dollars in state investments for his community, including more than $800 million for Montgomery County roads.

Burkhart was inducted into the Tennessee Home Builders Hall of Fame in 2021. He was born and raised in Woodlawn, a rural community in Montgomery County. He was laid to rest in Clarksville.

Tennessee Statesman Gerald McCormick Dies After ALS Battle

Former Tennessee state representative and House Majority Leader Gerald McCormick passed away on Dec. 11 after a battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). He was 63.

McCormick was widely recognized as an esteemed statesman and dedicated public servant who represented District 26 in the Tennessee House of Representatives, which includes part of Hamilton County.

McCormick served in the United States Army during the Gulf War, specializing in nuclear, biological and chemical defense operations.

He served in the Tennessee General Assembly from 2005 until his retirement in 2018. He was instrumental in the passage of Tennessee Promise, making the Volunteer State the first in the nation to offer free community college. Since 2014, $207 million has supported the enrollment of more than 150,000 students, creating a more skilled and competitive workforce. McCormick lay in state at the Tennessee State Capitol on Dec. 16.

What to Know: New Tennessee Laws Take Effect Jan. 1

Several new laws will take effect across Tennessee on Jan. 1, bringing changes that impact families, workers, businesses and communities statewide. These new measures reflect actions taken by state lawmakers to address public safety, economic growth, education, and quality of life.

Commerce

Vape Regulations and Consumer Protections (House Bill 968 by Hawk / Public Chapter 324)

New regulations on vaping aim to protect consumers, especially minors, from harmful, unregulated vape products flooding the market, many of which originate from China.

• Raises the age for ID checks from 30 to 50 years old to prevent underage sales

• Establishes a centralized database of vapor products with FDA approval or pending approval that may be sold in Tennessee

• Allows law enforcement to track and prohibit the sale and distribution of unauthorized products

New Guardrails for the Hemp Industry (House Bill 1376 by Lamberth / Public Chapter 526)

The General Assembly approved stricter regulations on the sale of hemp-derived cannabinoid products (HDCP) in Tennessee to protect consumers and children from harmful substances.

• Transfers compliance and enforcement from the Department of Agriculture to the Alcoholic Beverage Commission (ABC)

• Prohibits the sale of THCa and THCp, which cause impairment similar to marijuana

• Bans direct shipping of hemp products to consumers

• Requires a hemp wholesale license for distributors

• Restricts sales to 21 and older establishments

• Caps single-serving size at 15 milligrams and container size at 300mg

• Establishes new wholesale tax structure expected to generate $126 million annually starting in 2027

Strengthening Tattoo Apprenticeship Licensure Requirements (House Bill 373 by Shaw / Public Chapter 212) Now requires a signature of completion for tattoo apprenticeships and increases apprenticeship from one to two years.

Updates to Cemetery Reclamation Laws (House Bill 713 by Alexander / Public Chapter 119) Allows cemeteries to reclaim and resell gravesites 75 years after the last known contact with the family.

Elections

Strengthening Voter Verification (House Bill 69 by Lamberth / Public Chapter 473) U.S. citizenship status and felony convictions will now be proactively verified before an individual can be registered to vote in Tennessee. The law requires development of a secure electronic portal for real-time eligibility verification.

Illegal Immigration

Preventing Non-Citizens from Voting in Tennessee (House Bill 1283 by Hill / Public Chapter 394) Requires election coordinators to train local officials to recognize temporary IDs issued to non-U.S. citizens.

Strengthening Illegal Immigration Enforcement in Tennessee (House Bill 6001 by Lamberth / Public Chapter 1)

• Establishes the Centralized Immigration Enforcement Division (CIED) within the Department of Safety

• Creates the Immigration Enforcement Grant Program for local governments participating in the federal 287(g) program

• Incorporates distinct markers on state-issued IDs for non-U.S. citizens

Invalidating Out-of-State Driver's Licenses Issued to Illegal Immigrants (House Bill 749 by Reeves / Public Chapter 288) Prohibits out-of-state driver's licenses issued to illegal immigrants from being recognized as valid in Tennessee. Driving with such a license can be charged as a Class B misdemeanor.

Taxes

Changes to Community Investment Tax Credits (House Bill 691 by Baum / Public Chapter 496) Changes the calculation for community investment tax credits from year-end to monthly average.

Changes to Litigation Fees (House Bill 487 by Farmer / Public Chapter 486)

Establishes a $2.00 privilege tax on litigation in civil and criminal cases to be allocated to the court clerk continuing education account.

Health

Expanding Opportunities Through ABLE Accounts (House Bill 496 by Reedy / Public Chapter 340)

Raises the age of disability onset from 26 to 46 for ABLE account eligibility, allowing more Tennesseans to qualify for these tax-advantaged savings tools.

Removed Insurance Barriers for Cancer Patients (House Bill 858 by Alexander / Public Chapter 505) Exempts certain cancer patients from step therapy requirements, allowing immediate access to federally approved prescriptions for stage 4 advanced cancer and metastatic blood cancer patients.

Encouraging Alternatives to Opioid Prescriptions (House Bill 37 by Davis / Public Chapter 278) Ensures non-opioid drugs with FDA approval are not disadvantaged on the state's preferred drug list.

Paid Leave for Care of Family Members (House Bill 915 by Sparks / Public Chapter 423)

State employees can now take up to 6 weeks of paid leave to care for a parent, child, grandchild, or spouse with a serious illness involving hospice care.

Foreign Influence

Tennessee Genomic Security and End Organ Harvesting Act (House Bill 395 by Terry / Public Chapter 96)

• Bans the use of genetic sequencers or bioinformatics software from nations identified as foreign adversaries

• Prohibits health insurers from covering organ transplants in China or transplants involving organs sold or donated by Chinese sources

  
  

Public Safety

Domestic Violence Registry / Savanna's Law (House Bill 1200 by Kumar / Public Chapter 520)

Creates a domestic violence registry with public access to offender information following second and subsequent offenses.

The Ink of Hope Act (House Bill 182 by Littleton / Public Chapter 19) Requires tattoo artists to receive training on recognizing and reporting signs of human trafficking as part of their licensing requirements.

Animal Fighting as Racketeering (House Bill 540 by Crawford / Public Chapter 264)

Expands Tennessee's RICO Act to include animal fighting as a crime.

Government Efficiency

Eliminating Faxes in Tennessee Code (House Bill 321 by Lamberth / Public Chapter 94)

Requires all state departments and agencies to accept electronic transmissions in lieu of faxes.

Briefly...

Michael Lankford to Represent District 75: The Montgomery County Commission on Dec. 8 appointed Michael Lankford of Clarksville to fill the late Rep. Jeff Burkhart's seat for the remainder of his term. Lankford's top priorities will be public safety, infrastructure, education, agriculture and responsible growth. He is expected to be sworn in on Jan. 13.

Civics Essay Contest: Secretary of State Tre Hargett is promoting a civics essay contest with the theme "Tennessee, America at its Best." The contest is open to all public, private, and homeschool students in kindergarten through 12th grade. Winners receive TNStars 529 scholarships. Submit essays at sos.tn.gov/civics-essay-contest by Feb. 20.

Record Graduation Rate: The Tennessee Department of Education announced a 92.3% statewide graduation rate for 2024-25, breaking the previous record. An increase of 1,892 more students graduated this year for a total of 69,124 students.

State House, Senate Maps Upheld: The Tennessee Supreme Court this month upheld Tennessee's House and Senate maps in a 4-1 decision.