New State Laws Take Effect July 1

NASHVILLE — July 1 is more than just the start of a new month. Wednesday marks the first day of the 2026-27 fiscal year — and the day Tennessee will impose dozens of new laws passed by the 114th Tennessee General Assembly.

Tennessee’s new laws impact schools, retail theft, unlawful purchases of vape or tobacco products, immigration policies and more.

Here’s a look at some of Tennessee’s new laws going into effect. Additional information on each law can be found on the Tennessee General Assembly website.

Limiting technology in the classroom — HB2393/SB2310 aims to minimize screen time in the classroom by prohibiting kindergarten through fifth-grade students from accessing digital devices at school.

Those students’ teachers are also prevented from using digital devices to provide instruction.

Also prohibited under this new law is electronic testing for students K-5.

Digital devices are allowed for some cases, including but not limited to targeted instructional support, intervention or remediation; accommodations or services for students with disabilities; and public virtual schools, home schools, remote instruction or hybrid learning days.

Charlie Kirk American Heritage Act — Public schools and public charter schools are now required to teach about the positive impacts of religion on American history under HB1822/SB1828.

The bill lists 19 historical subjects schools can use for instruction, including but not limited to the history of the pilgrims, the influence of religion on the United States Constitution, the concept of separating church and state, the role of the Ten Commandments in shaping American law, how religious influences shaped American civil rights and the Civil Rights Movement and the history of the national motto “In God We Trust.”

Child trafficking awareness in schools — Public schools and public charter schools are required under SB1710/HB1527 to provide child trafficking awareness and prevention instruction to students in kindergarten through twelfth grade during health classes. A “qualified healthcare professional or social worker” can assist in teaching the subject.

Epinephrine in schools — SB1716/HB1550 allows all schools to keep epinephrine on hand to administer to a student believed to be experiencing a life-threatening allergic or anaphylactic reaction. The medication should be available in at least two unlocked, secure locations — including the school’s administrative office and cafeteria.

Threats against schools and child care facilities — SB0591/HB1273 makes it a Class E felony to recklessly threaten mass violence at a child care agency, preschool or religious institution. This offense does not apply to a person with an intellectual disability.

The bill also makes it a Class B felony to knowingly fail to report a threat of mass violence at a child care agency, preschool or religious institution.

A Class E felony is punishable by one to six years in prison and up to $3,000 in fines. A Class B felony is punishable by 8 to 30 years in prison and up to $25,000 in fines.

Underage vaping or tobacco purchases — SB1740/HB1679 establishes penalties for people under 21 who illegally buy tobacco, hemp, vapor products or smokeless tobacco. Penalties include 50 hours of community service, completion of a court-ordered program and a fine between $10 and $50 for those aged 18–21.

Retail theft registry — SB2265/HB2140 targets repeat and organized retail theft by establishing a shoplifter registry. Records will stay on file for 10 years after the most recent conviction. Only law enforcement agencies will be able to access the registry.

The law also increases penalties for people who commit retail theft while carrying a firearm, ammunition, firearm accessory or anti-theft jammer. The penalty calls for a minimum sentence of 30 days in jail. If the shoplifter is wearing a mask or using fake license plates during the crime, a judge could impose harsher sentences.

Emergency care for pregnant women — HB1943/SB1681 prohibits hospital emergency departments from denying an appropriate medical screening examination to a pregnant woman who reports to be in active labor or experiencing an emergency medical condition.

The bill also prohibits transferring a pregnant woman unless her condition is stabilized.

Fines for violating this law can cost up to $50,000 for large hospitals and up to $25,000 for small hospitals. Doctors who violate this law could face license sanctions and up to $50,000 in fines.

Local police agreements with ICE — HB2018/SB1486 requires law enforcement agencies to enter into an agreement with a federal 287(g) immigration enforcement program. The law requires local law enforcement to “accept and honor” any immigration detainer from federal authorities by complying with the requested conditions in the immigration detainer.

Citizenship checks for public benefits — SB1915/HB1710 requires local governments to verify that anyone applying for public benefits (i.e., financial aid or government programs) is either a U.S. citizen or a legal resident. Local offices must keep records and report on how they are verifying individuals’ legal statuses, and Tennessee’s attorney general has the power to investigate any city or county that fails to perform these checks.

Verifying citizenship before receiving a professional license — Applicants for any official state “paperwork” are required to prove they are U.S. citizens or legal residents under HB1709/SB1901. Paperwork includes professional licenses, permits or official certifications.

Preventing undocumented immigrants from driving commercial vehicles — HB1706/SB1587 makes it a Class A misdemeanor for undocumented immigrants to operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) in the state of Tennessee — even for those using out-of-state commercial vehicles. Direct emitters who knowingly allow an undocumented immigrant to operate a CMV may also be charged with a Class A misdemeanor.

Local law enforcement agencies are required to notify federal immigration officials if they arrest a person who is accused of violating the new law.