tn STATE REP. CLARK BOYD - 2026 LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

Rep. Clark Boyd - TN State Legislature - Dist. 46

Hear Rep. Boyd's "Legislative Update" on the "Coleman & Co." radio program Mar 24, 2025 - https://youtu.be/tsEog0QTjJk?t=335

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http://facebook.com/clarkboydtn

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clark_Boyd_(politician)

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See also...

TN DIST. 57 REP. SUSAN LYNN'S updates

https://wilsonhelps.org/wilson-county-1#a899db51-c93f-45d8-8915-cf07740c716c

Rep. Clark Boyd and family

Clark Boyd

State Representative, District 46

425 5th Avenue North, Suite 528

Nashville TN 37243

615-741-7086

rep.clark.boyd@capitol.tn.gov

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Rep. Clark Boyd - TN State Legislature - Dist. 46

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VoteClarkBoyd.com

PO Box 2177
Lebanon, TN 37088

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https://voteclarkboyd.com

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE MAR 27, 2026

Greetings from the Capitol!
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It was another busy week here at the General Assembly, but we are beginning to see signs that the legislative work for 2026 is nearing completion.
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Two of my bills passed on the House floor Thursday morning. One of them was the "Mercenary Rioting" legislation that I was proud to introduce and carry. Briefly, this legislation will hold those who pay protestors civilly liable if the individual they paid to protest commits certain criminal acts. It does not infringe upon the right to assemble peacefully; it punishes those who are paid to abuse this right.
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Mark your calendars.

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I was informed by my colleagues at the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) earlier this week that they will be hosting a town hall, in tandem with the City of Lebanon, on Thursday, May 14th, 2026. The purpose of this town hall is to discuss a handful of proposals being considered for expansions along SR-109 in Wilson County. On the agenda will be:

Adding a 3rd thru lane for 109 heading southbound near Hickory Ridge Road
Median modifications at 2 locations between I-40 and Hickory Ridge (Wendy's and Waffle House)
Performing work for a 3rd lane heading southbound on 109 from the eastbound ramp to Leeville Pike.

We are still waiting for TDOT to announce a time and location for this town hall. Once I have that information, I will share it in a future newsletter.

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Gov. Lee’s budget amendment signals final stretch

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The pace picked up this week on Capitol Hill with lawmakers moving several bills through committees and onto the House floor. The Finance, Ways and Means Committee continued its work advancing Tennesseans' priorities for next year by completing its 10th week of hearings. Committee members heard from Finance Commissioner Jim Bryson, who presented Gov. Bill Lee's final budget amendment on Tuesday, signaling the General Assembly is nearing the end of session.

Lee's amendment proposes $230 million in new spending, bringing the total proposed budget to $58.2 billion. It includes $190 million in one-time spending and $40 million in recurring funding. Bryson said the state's budget will see a modest 0.3% increase, while the total budget decreases due to reduced federal funding.

"We're in a slow-growth environment. The odds of a recession are low, but so are the odds of fast growth. We expect growth, but we expect it to be relatively slow," Bryson told the committee.

Key investments in the amendment include infrastructure projects such as a $40 million bridge replacement in Montgomery County, funding for TennCare services, rural health clinics, $10 million for school safety grants, and technology upgrades. The amendment also allocates money for tourism, parks, and community initiatives across the state.

Lee in February outlined his legislative priorities in a balanced $57.9 billion budget, which includes critical investments to strengthen families, boost public safety and ensure economic and educational opportunity. Lawmakers are expected to review and potentially revise the proposal in the coming weeks before adjourning the 114th General Assembly.

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Pilot program opens doors for affordable housing

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Legislation advancing in the House aims to address Tennessee’s growing housing challenges by establishing a pilot program through the Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) to support affordable housing development statewide.

House Bill 2509, sponsored by House Speaker Cameron Sexton, R-Crossville, and House Republican Caucus Chairman Jeremy Faison, R-Cosby, establishes a public-private partnership initiative designed to increase access to affordable housing for working families earning between 80% and 150% of the area median income. It creates the Community Workforce Housing Innovation Pilot Program, administered by the THDA, which will provide loans for the construction or rehabilitation of housing projects across all three grand divisions.

The program will prioritize innovative housing projects in high-growth areas where rising home prices have made homeownership increasingly out of reach. The pilot program offers financial incentives and promotes regulatory flexibility. Priority consideration will be given to projects that include a significant share of workforce housing, are located near major employment centers and involve local incentives or partnerships.

Applications for the pilot program will be accepted through March 31, 2027, with a full evaluation of the program’s effectiveness required by Jan. 1, 2029.

This legislation represents a targeted effort to expand housing options, support economic growth, and strengthen communities across the state. House Bill 2509 is expected to be heard in the Finance Ways and Means Subcommittee next week.

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House protects life by cracking down on mail-order abortions

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The House this week passed legislation by State Rep. Gino Bulso, R-Brentwood, to protect the unborn and build on Tennessee's existing pro-life laws. House Bill 5 creates a civil cause of action against out-of-state abortion pill suppliers who unlawfully send abortion drugs into Tennessee, resulting in the death of an unborn child. A parent or family member who can prove by a preponderance of the evidence that a drug caused death would be entitled to $1 million in statutory damages from the supplier.

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"The overturning of Roe v. Wade marked an important step in the fight to eliminate abortion in the United States, but our work is far from finished," said Bulso. "Tennessee already has strong pro-life laws on the books, but tragically, mail-order abortions continue to kill thousands of innocent unborn children every year. It's time we end the slaughter once and for all and recognize that each of us is made in the image of God."

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A person who intentionally mails an abortion-inducing drug to a person in Tennessee commits a Class E felony. Bulso's proposal strengthens existing law by holding out-of-state abortionists financially responsible for the harm they cause. The act does not apply to delivery carriers or to Tennessee-licensed pharmacists and physicians.

Tennessee ranks among the most pro-life states in the nation, and Republicans continue to encourage strong families and protect the most vulnerable in our society. Still, an increasing number of women in the Volunteer State and across the nation are opting for abortion drugs like mifepristone and misoprostol. In 2025, 7,570 women in Tennessee terminated their pregnancy with abortion drugs, a more than 300% increase since 2023, according to a study by the Guttmacher Institute. Sixty-five percent of abortions in the U.S. were medication abortions in 2023. The proposal now heads back to the Senate for further consideration. If approved and signed into law by Gov. Bill Lee, it would take effect July 1.

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Land protections against foreign adversaries

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A proposal to further protect Tennessee’s land from foreign adversaries was approved by the General Assembly this week.

The Sen. Frank Niceley National Security and Economic Protection Act, sponsored by State Rep. Jay Reedy, R-Erin, bars certain foreign parties from buying or owning non-agricultural land in Tennessee and prevents them from using a third party to purchase the land to circumvent the rule.

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“[This bill] adds prohibited foreign parties to the current list of foreign-controlled entities that are prohibited from acquiring by grant, purchase, devise or otherwise an interest in non-agricultural land in the state,” Reedy told committee members. If a prohibited foreign party already owns land illegally, the land must be sold within two years, or the Tennessee Attorney General can take legal action. The proposal also creates a Class A misdemeanor for violations. Tennessee Republicans have strengthened existing land laws by banning foreign adversarial nations from purchasing or acquiring land in the state unless certain conditions are met and by requiring foreign entities that do purchase land to report to the Tennessee Department of Agriculture.

House Bill 1788 now heads to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk for his signature.

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Crush Transnational Repression in Tennessee Act passes House

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The House on Thursday passed legislation to deter and punish foreign adversaries from using intimidation tactics in the Volunteer State. The Crush Transnational Repression in Tennessee Act, or House Bill 2279, sponsored by Assistant House Majority Leader Mark Cochran, R-Englewood, would require criminal offenses to be punished one classification higher if an individual is acting on behalf of a foreign adversary, a foreign terrorist organization or a proxy who harasses, intimidates, or coerces people in Tennessee to influence their behavior or suppress protected legal rights.

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"A lot of times the [Chinese Communist Party] will use student organizations at public universities, and they will plant an agent in those student organizations, and they will use that person to harass Chinese descendants, folks who are American citizens who may have emigrated from China long ago," Cochran said on the House floor. House Bill 2279 creates a Class D felony offense for intentionally attempting to enforce the laws of a foreign adversary in violation of state or federal law. If an offender acts as a foreign adversarial agent, the violation would be considered a Class C felony. Any decision or ruling by a state court, arbitration panel, tribunal or administrative agency based on foreign law would be considered void and unenforceable if it denies someone liberty, rights or privileges guaranteed by the Tennessee or U.S. constitutions, according to the legislation.

Foreign adversaries include China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea and Russia, as defined by the federal government. The companion version of House Bill 2279 will be considered on the Senate floor in the coming weeks.

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Assistance for rural water infrastructure projects advances

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A proposal by State Rep. Kelly Keisling, R-Byrdstown, to assist rural communities in completing critical water infrastructure projects is advancing in the House.

House Bill 2205 would require the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) to include counties with populations of 57,000 or fewer on its loan-consideration priority list for funding through the Drinking Water System Revolving Loan Fund (DWSRF). The measure would apply to 58 of Tennessee’s 95 counties, representing approximately 61% of the state.

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“Access to safe, reliable water should not depend on a zip code,” said Keisling. “Too often, rural communities face barriers trying to secure resources needed to maintain and improve critical infrastructure. This legislation ensures these communities are no longer overlooked and are better positioned to compete for the funding necessary to protect public health and support long-term growth.”

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The DWSRF program provides low-interest loans to cities, counties, utility districts, and water authorities to support drinking water infrastructure. Eligible funding includes planning, design, and construction of public water systems. Tennessee law requires TDEC to prioritize projects based on risks to public health, regulatory compliance, and the financial needs of communities.

House Bill 2205 now heads to the Calendar and Rules Committee before heading to the House floor for a final vote.

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Bill restricts celebratory gunfire in crowded areas

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A proposal to protect Tennesseans and deter people from recklessly firing a gun advanced out of the Criminal Justice Subcommittee this week. House Bill 1757, sponsored by State Rep. Iris Rudder, R-Winchester, creates a Class A misdemeanor for recklessly firing a gun into the air, ground, water or nearby objects at large public gatherings of 25 people or more. The bill follows a tragic incident that occurred last year during July 4 fireworks at Tims Ford Lake in Winchester.

“While celebrating (the) Fourth of July with his wife and family, Mr. John Cobb was struck and killed by a stray celebratory bullet during fireworks celebrations,” Rudder told committee members. “John’s wife, Michelle, administered CPR, not knowing that her husband had been struck in the head by a stray bullet.”

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The proposal includes several exceptions, including self-defense, hunting and shooting ranges. It also ensures this offense is taught to students in state-authorized handgun safety courses. House Bill 1757 is expected to be heard in the Judiciary Committee on April 1.

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Proposed protections for religious gatherings

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Three proposals to protect the right of all Tennesseans to worship freely advanced out of the Judiciary Committee this week.

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House Bill 2065 by State Rep. Chris Todd, R-Madison County, would add disrupting a religious assembly to the offense of aggravated criminal trespass, a Class D felony.

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House Bill 2264 by State Rep. Greg Martin, R-Hixson, creates a Class A misdemeanor for the disruption of a religious assembly, which includes intentionally obstructing, disturbing, or interfering.

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House Bill 2309 by State Rep. Michele Carringer, R-Knoxville, creates a Class A misdemeanor for anyone who interferes with a religious service or threatens members of a congregation. If they intentionally damage or destroy property, the offense would be elevated to a Class E felony for the first offense and a Class C felony for subsequent offenses.

In addition to the sentence, Carringer's proposal would require a judge to impose a fine of at least twice the total amount of any property damage, loss or expense for cleaning or restoration costs.

The bills were filed following nationwide outrage after protesters opposing federal immigration enforcement disrupted a Christian worship service at Cities Church in Saint Paul, Minn., on Jan. 18. More recently in Tennessee, a man allegedly barged into a Cookeville church service in January and threatened congregants. He was taken into custody by local law enforcement.

The proposals now head to the Finance, Ways and Means Subcommittee.

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House advances expanded testing options for ESA students

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A proposal to ensure Tennessee students are administered testing options that match their curriculum advanced in the House this week. Currently, students participating in Tennessee's Education Savings Account program are required to take the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program in math and English language arts. House Bill 1881, sponsored by Education Administration Subcommittee Chairman William Slater, R-Gallatin, would also authorize qualified nationally standardized achievement tests aligned with a school's instructional plan.

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"When students are in a different school, in a different system in a private school, the standards can be different. That's what it means to be a private school," Slater told members of the K-12 Subcommittee. "Therefore, the private school must have the opportunity to choose the test that is aligned. That is just good education policy."

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Schools would be required to provide the results of a chosen test to ESA-participating students in grades 3-11 and their parents. They would also submit student results annually to the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury's Office of Research and Education Accountability, which would submit an annual report to the education committees in the General Assembly.

House Bill 1881 will be heard in the Education Committee on March 31.

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Proposal expands Tennesseans' ability to defend property

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The Criminal Justice Subcommittee this week advanced legislation by State Rep. Kip Capley, R-Summertown, to strengthen the ability of Tennesseans to lawfully defend their property. House Bill 1802 would allow the use of deadly force if immediately necessary to protect property where a person lawfully resides in certain circumstances, including to prevent arson, burglary, robbery, aggravated robbery or aggravated cruelty to animals. There must be a reasonable belief that deadly force is necessary and that there is no safe alternative.

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"The right to defend ourselves, our families and our property is fundamental to the freedoms and safety we all value," said Capley. "This critical step supports victims, especially in rural communities where law enforcement response times are understandably longer, and ensures all Tennesseans can reasonably protect what they've worked their lives to build."

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While Tennessee is a Stand Your Ground and Castle Doctrine state, allowing residents to use deadly force in self-defense and against home intruders, residents are limited to threatening or using non-deadly force against another to protect private property. Capley's proposal strengthens Tennesseans' right to protect their property by establishing clear, reasonable standards. House Bill 1802 is scheduled for further consideration by the Judiciary Committee on April 1.

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Meat labeling bill supports Tennessee producers

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Legislation to promote Tennessee-raised products advanced out of the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee this week. House Bill 2252, sponsored by State Rep. Rusty Grills, R-Newbern, creates a voluntary labeling and promotion program for meat born, raised and processed in Tennessee.

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“The goal is to help local producers living in this state that do a really good job of providing protein for our economy [to be] able to say [this is] a guaranteed Tennessee product,” Grills told committee members. The Tennessee Department of Agriculture would be responsible for creating the rules and administering the program. If enacted, any labels must follow the federal regulations established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to ensure food safety and accuracy. House Bill 2252 will be heard in the Government Operations Committee on March 30.

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AI protections for children move through House
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The Commerce Committee unanimously advanced legislation to ensure major artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots protect children in Tennessee. The Artificial Intelligence Public Safety and Child Protection Transparency Act, or House Bill 1898, sponsored by Deputy Speaker Jason Zachary, R-Knoxville, would require certain AI companies to develop, implement and publish plans for managing catastrophic risk and risks to children. Plans would be continually updated and modified to safeguard Tennessee consumers.

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"We are working to be proactive and be a national leader when it comes to protections related to AI," Zachary told committee members on Wednesday. Zachary's proposal requires developers to report to the Tennessee Attorney General within 15 days of a critical safety incident, or within 24 hours if it poses an imminent risk of death or serious physical injury. It also clarifies that this would not supersede any future federal government action imposing similar guardrails or additional requirements. House Bill 1898 would only apply to large frontier developers, which include five major AI models. It is scheduled to be heard in the Government Operations Committee on March 30.

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General Assembly celebrates Tennessee's outdoor heritage
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Members of the Tennessee General Assembly this week celebrated the Volunteer State’s incredible resources, thriving tourism industry and plethora of recreational activities during the second annual Outdoors Day on the Hill. Organized by the Tennessee Outdoors Partnership, the event highlighted several organizations and state agencies for their work promoting and preserving the unparalleled beauty of Tennessee. Legislators competed against the executive branch in an archery contest put on by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. Tennessee ranks first in the Southeast and No. 2 in the United States for 10-year GDP growth in outdoor recreation. The industry generated $15.6 billion for Tennessee's economy in 2024, according to the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. Tennessee is home to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited national park in the nation, as well as 62 state parks, more than 100 wildlife management areas and 80 natural areas.

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Privacy protections for law enforcement
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The House on Thursday passed legislation to protect law enforcement officers engaged in high-risk operations. House Bill 2506, sponsored by House Speaker Cameron Sexton, R-Crossville, and co-sponsored by State Rep. Dan Howell, R-Cleveland, requires state and local government entities to keep certain personal information of law enforcement officers confidential in limited or undercover circumstances, including immigration enforcement operations. Current law does not provide a uniform policy across state governments. A state or local official who releases protected information through criminal negligence could be charged with a Class E felony and face removal from office. The bill also establishes misdemeanor and felony offenses for individuals required to maintain the confidentiality of protected records but who negligently or intentionally disclose them. House Bill 2506 addresses growing concerns about the safety of law enforcement officers and the increasing use of social media to target them. It now heads to Gov. Bill Lee's desk to be signed into law.

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Optometric scope of practice
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Legislation to make Tennessee more attractive for optometrists passed the General Assembly this week. House Bill 1952, sponsored by State Rep. Ryan Williams, R-Cookeville, will authorize doctors of optometry in Tennessee to perform three safe, non-invasive office-based light amplification by stimulated emissions of radiation (LASER) procedures. These include peripheral iridotomies, selective laser trabeculoplasties and YAG capsulotomies if done by an optometrist certified to perform the procedure. House Bill 1952 now heads to Gov. Bill Lee's desk to be signed into law.

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Homeschool testing
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A proposal by State Rep. William Slater, R-Gallatin, to enhance testing freedom for Tennessee homeschoolers passed the House this week. House Bill 1729 authorizes the use of additional nationally-normed standardized exams for homeschool students in grades five, seven and nine. Currently, independent homeschool students are required to take the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program in person at their zoned public school. This proposal provides alternative testing options by allowing families to select an eligible English language arts and mathematics exam, and adds the Classic Learning Test as an option for all Tennessee students as an alternative to the ACT or SAT. Additionally, it eliminates an antiquated section of Tennessee law that allows a school district to require a homeschool student to enter public or private school if the child fails to meet certain testing requirements. The companion version of House Bill 1729 will be considered by the Senate in the coming weeks.

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Childcare staff age requirements
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A proposal by State Rep. Sabi Kumar, R-Springfield, to lower the minimum age for working at certain childcare programs passed the General Assembly this week. House Bill 2573 requires a person working as a teacher or teacher’s assistant in a preschool or daycare facility for children between birth and 4 years old to be at least 18 years of age. The Tennessee Department of Education requires staff to be at least 21 years of age, while similar facilities regulated by the Tennessee Department of Human Services require teachers and teacher assistants to be at least 18 years of age. The bill now heads to Gov. Bill Lee's desk for his signature.

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Tennessee Anti-Grooming Act
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House Bill 2317, sponsored by State Rep. Jody Barrett, R-Dickson, closes a gap in Tennessee law by establishing a criminal offense for engaging in preparatory stages of sexual misconduct with children, commonly referred to as grooming. While existing statutes address direct solicitation and the display of sexual material to minors, the Tennessee Anti-Grooming Act targets early behaviors that often precede abuse, such as isolating a child from their guardians, encouraging sexual contact and cultivating secrecy. The legislation does not duplicate existing offenses but gives law enforcement the ability to intervene before sexual contact occurs. House Bill 2317 is scheduled to be heard in the Judiciary Committee on April 1.

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Recognizing the nuclear family
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The General Assembly this week approved a proposal to designate June 2026 as Nuclear Family Month in Tennessee. House Joint Resolution 182, sponsored by State Rep. Bud Hulsey, R-Kingsport, recognizes the importance of the nuclear family, consisting of one husband, one wife and any biological, adopted or foster children, in the formation of Tennessee and the United States. Hulsey proposed the legislation last year at the request of a young college student in his district, who wrote the resolution. It now heads to Gov. Bill Lee's desk for his signature.

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Protecting first responders
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A proposal by State Rep. Kip Capley, R-Summertown, to add first responders to Tennessee's Back the Blue Act advanced to the Judiciary Committee this week. House Bill 2428 would increase the offense of assaulting a first responder from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class E felony, punishable by a mandatory $10,000 fine and a minimum of 60 days in jail. In 2024, the General Assembly passed the Back the Blue Act, creating the same penalties for assaulting a law enforcement officer in the Volunteer State. House Bill 2428 will be considered on April 1.

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Suicide awareness
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A resolution to designate March 12, 2026, as Be the One to End Suicide Day in Tennessee was approved by the General Assembly this week. Senate Joint Resolution 592, sponsored by State Rep. Tim Hicks, R-Gray, recognizes the American Legion’s Be the One initiative aimed at preventing veteran suicide and reducing the prevalence of suicide among younger generations. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for youth aged 10-25, and accounted for more than 49,000 deaths in the United States in 2023, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The resolution urges public and private entities across Tennessee to hold suicide prevention training annually and promote the 988 suicide prevention hotline.

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School librarians
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A proposal by State Rep. Greg Martin, R-Hixson, would expand the pathways for public schools to hire librarians. House Bill 2423 qualifies an advanced degree in media and technology for the purposes of obtaining a library information specialist endorsement. Eligibility would be determined by the Tennessee State Board of Education and the Tennessee Department of Education. The proposal also allows schools with fewer than 750 students to employ someone with a valid teacher's license as a librarian. Currently, only certified librarian information specialists can become school librarians. House Bill 2423 will be considered in the Finance, Ways and Means Subcommittee on April 1.

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Fertility clinic certification
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A proposal to set guidelines for in vitro fertilization in Tennessee advanced in the House this week. House Bill 2290, sponsored by State Rep. Ryan Williams, R-Cookeville, would create a licensure process for IVF laboratories and certificate licensure requirements for physicians who wish to practice IVF in Tennessee. It also directs clinics to follow current clinical practice guidelines and professional standards for genetic testing, as determined by a nationally recognized organization in reproductive medicine or obstetrics and gynecology. The proposal heads to the Government Operations Committee on March 30.

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LEGISLATIVE UPDATE MAR 20, 2026

Speaking to Leadership Wilson's "best class ever" each year is a highlight. I enjoyed visiting with members of the Wilson County Board of Directors for Farm Bureau and Representatives of broadband service providers during their Day on the Hill.

Greetings from the Capitol!
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CLICK THIS LINK TO HEAR THE AUDIO OF THIS UPDATE

http://securenets1.com/ClarkBoyd-03202026.mp3

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It was another busy week at the Capitol. I presented 7 pieces of legislation across various committees in the House, aimed at making Tennessee the safest and best State to live in. I value running bills that seek to improve your quality of life. A few of these pieces of legislation are headed to the House floor for a vote next week. The one I am most focused on is my "mercenary rioting" bill that I put a story in last week's newsletter about. Briefly, this legislation seeks to hold the financiers of paid protestors civilly liable for damages caused if a paid protestor commits a crime. This does not infringe on your First Amendment rights; it seeks to hold those who profit from disrupting these activities accountable.
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This Thursday, my favorite constituent group came to the Capitol for their day on the hill: Leadership Wilson! I was honored to be able to speak to this year's class about issues in the General Assembly and the legislation that I am carrying. Throughout their day, they were able to hear from me, Senator Pody, Representative Susan Lynn (Mt. Juliet), and Representative Michael Hale (Smithville). They also heard from a few State agencies before finishing their day with a mock session in the Senate Chamber.

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Update on FAIR RX Act

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A few weeks ago, I put a story in here about a piece of legislation that many of you have heard about on TV through commercials pushed by CVS: the FAIR RX Act (HB1959). What CVS is pushing on TV about this is inaccurate.
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The FAIR RX Act makes one thing clear: you cannot operate a pharmacy while simultaneously operating a PBM (Pharmacy Benefit Manager). A few years back, the State of Tennessee passed legislation that gave Tennessee the authority to conduct audits on PBMs that operate in Tennessee. The first findings of this audit was shocking. It was discovered that Caremark was reimbursing CVS pharmacies at a significantly higher percentage than they were for "Mom and Pop" pharmacies in Tennessee (the most egregious example was for a drug called Cinacalcet, a drug used to treat kidney disease. Caremark reimbursed CVS pharmacies 16,510% more than they were for other pharmacies).
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Another practice that was discovered is that PBMs would go to drug manufacturers, ask for a rebate on the drug, and then not use the rebate they received for the drug to lower the cost of the prescription for patients, instead opting to pocket the rebate money to pad their bottom line. In 2024, PBMs recorded $334 Billion in rebates. Meanwhile, out-of-pocket costs for patients continued to rise.
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I look forward to being able to vote on this critical piece of legislation that seeks to end these deceptive practices and restore transparency to drug prices in Tennessee. I believe this is one of the most important pieces of legislation that Tennessee has worked on in my nearly 10 years as your State Representative.

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Lawmakers celebrate Tennessee's deep agricultural roots

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Members of the General Assembly celebrated Tennessee's No. 1 industry on March 17 during the annual Ag Day on the Hill at the State Capitol in Nashville.
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The annual event, which coincides with National Agriculture Week, brings together farmers, state legislators, exhibitors, industry partners and 4-H and Future Farmers of America members to highlight the importance of farming and forestry in Tennessee. During the event, Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee Chairman Chris Todd, R-Madison County, and Business and Utilities Chairman Rusty Grills, R-Newbern, competed in a cross-cut saw contest against the Senate and the Executive Branch. The agriculture and forestry industries employ hundreds of thousands of Tennesseans and directly and indirectly contribute up to $103 billion to the Volunteer State's economy every year.

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Bill would curb hit-and-run accidents

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A proposal to strengthen the penalties for drivers who leave the scene of an accident advanced out of the Criminal Justice Subcommittee this week.

The James Bardsley Life Protection Act, sponsored by State Rep. Robert Stevens, R-Smyrna, would increase the penalty for leaving the scene of an accident that results in injury or death from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class E felony. If a driver should have reasonably known that the crash resulted in a death, the offense would be elevated to a Class D felony.

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“Anyone who leaves the scene of an accident, especially when someone is seriously injured or dying, should face serious consequences,” Stevens said. “This bill ensures drivers who flee cannot simply walk away from the harm they cause.”

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James “Jimmy” Bardsley Jr., 19, was killed in September 2021 after he was struck on his motorcycle by a hit-and-run driver in Rutherford County. The driver was later identified and then convicted in December 2023 on multiple charges, including leaving the scene of a fatal crash, but was released under court-supervised parole just one year into his sentence.

House Bill 1521 is expected to be heard in the Judiciary Committee on March 23.

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Charlie Kirk Act promotes civil debate on college campuses

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A proposal to ensure college campuses remain beacons of freedom of expression advanced out of the Higher Education Subcommittee this week.

The Charlie Kirk Act, or House Bill 1476, sponsored by State Rep. Gino Bulso, R-Brentwood, would prohibit a public college or university in Tennessee from disinviting a speaker because of their viewpoints or in response to threatened protests or opposition from students or faculty.

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"We want to be the gold standard for having public colleges and universities that are known to be neutral when it comes to divisive political and social issues, (and) places where others can come and debate in a civil manner," Bulso told committee members.

The proposal requires public institutions of higher education in Tennessee to adopt a free-expression policy consistent with the one implemented by the University of Chicago in 2015, which underscores a university's responsibility to promote "fearless freedom of debate and deliberation." They would also be required to adopt a policy on political and social action, like the Kalven Report, which the University of Chicago adopted in 1967 to encourage institutional neutrality.

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The Charlie Kirk Act protects the academic freedom of faculty by prohibiting retaliation or discrimination based on the viewpoints expressed in scholarly work or any speech or writing protected by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. It also safeguards the freedom of religion and conscience of students and faculty.

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The proposal honors the legacy of Charlie Kirk, a political activist dedicated to open dialogue and civil debate. Kirk was assassinated on Sept. 10, 2025, at Utah Valley University during a Turning Point USA event, an organization he founded.

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House passes E-Verify requirement for government hires

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Legislation to ensure only people lawfully residing in the United States are hired by state and local governments in Tennessee passed in the House this week.

House Bill 1705, sponsored by State Rep. Tim Rudd, R-Murfreesboro, would require government employers to verify the work authorization status of all new hires and appointees before employment.

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"Using taxpayer dollars to employ someone illegally residing in our nation is an insult to the law-abiding residents who make Tennessee strong and prosperous," Rudd said. "This legislation ensures all levels of government in the Volunteer State put the best interests of Tennesseans first in hiring decisions."

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All hires by state and local government entities, including boards and local education agencies, would be required to have lawful status verified using the federal government's E-Verify program beginning July 1. Documentation of E-Verify results would be retained throughout the employee's tenure.

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House Bill 1705 also empowers the Tennessee Attorney General to withhold state-shared tax revenue and other state funding from non-compliant municipalities. The companion version of the bill is still advancing in the Senate.

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Proposal expands access to childhood mental health resources

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A proposal to improve the health and wellness of children in Tennessee advanced in the House this week.

House Bill 2313, sponsored by State Rep. David Hawk, R-Greeneville, authorizes the Tennessee Department of Health (DOH) to collaborate with the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services to create and oversee a voluntary mental health home visiting program for children from birth to five years old.

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“Emotional and social behavioral issues with our children are beginning at an even earlier age, and this is going to help us work within that space,” Hawk said.

Parents and children would attend psychotherapy sessions and receive access to care coordination, resources, developmental and mental health assessments and be subject to fidelity monitoring to ensure compliance with DOH guidelines. The program prioritizes families vulnerable to socioeconomic, environmental or behavioral health challenges in admission decisions.

The bill is modeled after the Nurse-Family Partnership, a home-visiting program that assists low-income mothers and their children by providing health assessments, parental guidance, and child development resources, with support from registered nurses.

Mental health challenges can begin in early childhood years, with anxiety, depression and behavioral disorders being the most common among young children, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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House Bill 2313 will be considered in the Government Operations Committee on March 23.

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Measure aims to ease school bus driver shortage

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A proposal to help ensure Tennessee students get to and from school on time advanced in the House this week.

House Bill 1790, sponsored by State Rep. Mike Sparks, R-Smyrna, would lower the minimum age requirement to drive a school bus in the Volunteer State from 25 to 23, while ensuring all drivers are well-qualified according to existing training and licensing standards. School boards would maintain the ability to regulate bus driver qualifications in accordance with state law. The proposal does not require districts to change their existing age requirement.

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"Schools across the nation are grappling with a serious bus driver shortage, disrupting student schedules and creating uncertainty for families," Sparks said. "Lowering the minimum age requirement will expand the pool of qualified applicants, providing meaningful opportunities for young Tennesseans and helping ensure all children have safe, reliable transportation to and from school.”

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Drivers must first meet all requirements to earn a commercial driver's license (CDL) with a school bus endorsement. In addition to the minimum age, applicants must demonstrate good character, competency and fitness. They must also have at least five consecutive years of unrestricted driving experience.

School districts across the state have faced bus driver shortages in recent years, including in Rutherford, Wilson, Williamson and Coffee counties.

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House Bill 1790 is scheduled for consideration in the Transportation Committee on March 24.

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Guardrails for minor content creators moves through House

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A proposal to strengthen child labor compensation laws to reflect today’s revenue-driven social media landscape advanced in the House this week.

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House Bill 1723, sponsored by State Rep. Ron Travis, R-Dayton, prohibits minors between the ages of 14 and 17 from posting content in exchange for compensation.

A parent or other adult with a minor engaged in content creation would be required to maintain certain records until the minor turns 21 and set aside the minor's earnings in a trust account.

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“This bill updates Tennessee law to address an issue that simply did not exist when most overt child labor protections were written," said Travis.

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A minor would only be considered engaged in content creation if an account generates revenue through views, the creator earns at least $15,000 a year in compensation and a child appears in at least 30% of the content. Minors could commence civil action for certain violations of this proposal. Videos featuring the minor could be deleted and removed from an online platform if requested.

Social media platforms would also be required to implement a strategy to mitigate the risk of monetization and exploitation from intentionally sexualizing minors.

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House Bill 1723 is expected to be heard in the Commerce Committee on March 25.

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Tuition benefit expansion for military families advances

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One lawmaker has proposed legislation to support military and veteran family members looking to continue their education in Tennessee.

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House Bill 1789, sponsored by State Rep. Jay Reedy, R-Erin, removes the one-year residency requirement for military spouses who live in Tennessee and requires public higher education institutions to classify them as in-state students for tuition purposes.

The proposal adds dependents of active-duty service members or veterans who reside outside the state to those eligible for in-state tuition.

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“We have four locally governed institutions that are already doing this, including Austin Peay State University, East Tennessee State University, Tennessee State University and Tennessee Tech,” Reedy told committee members.

The spouse must live in Tennessee while enrolled in the institution. Eligible dependents would be allowed to reside outside of the state. House Bill 1789 is expected to be heard in the Education Committee on March 24.

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