MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WGNS) – Effective Tuesday, July 1, a suite of laws recently passed by the Tennessee General Assembly will take full effect, bringing changes across public safety, consumer protections, technology, and transportation.
Online Boating License Exams
Under House Bill 530, Tennesseans can now complete their boating safety exam online without needing a proctor. The change aims to improve access for residents in rural areas and those working daytime hours.
Good Samaritan Law Expansion
Consumer Billing Protections
House Bill 141 prohibits service providers from charging customers for an extra billing cycle when canceling phone, internet, or cable services mid-cycle. Noncompliance could result in penalties under the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act.
Labeling Rules for Lab-Grown Meat
House Bill 804 prohibits labeling cell-cultured alternative proteins as "meat" in Tennessee. The law includes a $1,000 annual permit requirement and is enforced by the Department of Agriculture.
Protecting Children from Substances
House Bill 72 establishes a minimum 48-hour jail sentence and $500 fine for supplying hemp- or THC-derived products to minors. House Bill 751 elevates exposure of children to fentanyl to a Class E felony, and a Class B felony if the child is under 8 years old.
Business Accountability for Criminal Activity
House Bill 1050 provides communities with tools to seek damages and streamline nuisance business closures when establishments host ongoing criminal activity.
Traffic Obstruction Penalties
House Bill 302 classifies parking or stopping a vehicle in a way that impedes traffic as a Class C misdemeanor, increasing to Class B if an accident results.
Expanded Cancer Coverage for Firefighters
House Bill 482 includes prostate, breast, and pancreatic cancers under the Barry Brady Act, which presumes certain cancers as job-related for firefighter compensation.
Digital Vehicle Registration
House Bill 537 mandates that law enforcement accept digital copies of vehicle registration and proof of insurance as valid documentation.
Teen Driving Penalties for Bullying
House Bill 1025 suspends a juvenile's driving privileges for one year if convicted of harassment, bullying, or cyberbullying. First-time offenders may qualify for a restricted-use license.
Regulation of AI-Generated Deepfakes
House Bill 1299 criminalizes the malicious use or threat of AI-generated intimate imagery, creating a Class E felony and offering civil recourse for victims.
Voyeurism Victims Act
This legislation expands the definition of unlawful photography to include unauthorized images of unclothed intimate areas or sexual activity. Victims may now seek protective orders.
PEACE Act Implementation
The Protecting Everyone Against Crime and Extremism (PEACE) Act addresses hate littering, trespassing, police obstruction, and public safety concerns following extremist activities in Nashville.
Increased Wildlife Trespass Penalties
House Bill 24 raises the penalty for illegally taking wildlife while trespassing from a Class C to a Class B misdemeanor and increases applicable fines to a maximum of $500.
Residents are encouraged to familiarize themselves with these changes and understand their implications for public safety, personal rights, and community standards.
