July 1 doesn’t just usher in a new month — it brings big changes for Tennessee. That’s when 177 new state laws officially go into effect, covering everything from immigration and education to public safety and traffic regulations.
Here are the laws that stood out the most:
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- 2 Texas Bans Land Sales to Foreign Adversaries Amid Espionage Concerns
- 3 Over 2,700 Foreign Terrorist Organization Members Arrested Nationwide
- 4 Felony Charges for Harboring Undocumented Immigrants
- 5 No Cell Phones Allowed in Classrooms
- 6 More Recess for Elementary Students
- 7 Tougher Penalties for Threats of Mass Violence
- 8 Driver’s License Penalties for Bullying
- 9 Crackdown on Protest Tactics
- 10 New Tire Sales Tax Goes to TDOT
- 11 Digital Vehicle Registration Now Accepted
- 12 No Bail for Armed Offenders
- 13 Abortion Pills by Mail Could Lead to Wrongful Death Claims
- 14 Alcohol Overdose Now Covered Under Good Samaritan Law
- 15 Laser Pointer Use Now a Crime
Felony Charges for Harboring Undocumented Immigrants
One of the most controversial new laws makes it a felony to transport or conceal an undocumented immigrant from law enforcement. The Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition has raised concerns that this could harm families and nonprofits. However, State Senator Brent Taylor (R-Memphis), who sponsored the bill, stated in May that the law only targets those who profit from harboring undocumented individuals. A lawsuit is currently underway to block the law’s implementation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDMviXtoW-8
No Cell Phones Allowed in Classrooms
A new rule requires school districts to create policies banning the use of cell phones and internet-connected devices during class unless they’re part of a lesson. State Rep. Rebecca Alexander (R-Jonesborough) pushed the legislation after reading The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt.
More Recess for Elementary Students
Elementary schools must now offer at least 40 minutes of unstructured physical activity per day — up from the previous minimum of 15 minutes. The change came after three mothers from Clarksville advocated for more playtime for their children.
Tougher Penalties for Threats of Mass Violence
Tennessee has added new penalties for individuals who threaten mass violence targeting schools, houses of worship, government buildings, or large public events. This builds on similar school threat legislation enacted last year.
Driver’s License Penalties for Bullying
Judges can now revoke the driver’s license of a minor convicted of bullying or cyberbullying. For those without a license yet, the court can delay eligibility for up to one year.
Crackdown on Protest Tactics
In response to concerns over White Nationalist and hate group activity, Tennessee now bans unauthorized banners on highways, prohibits transporting people in box trucks, and allows law enforcement to move crowds back 25 feet. Another law adds misdemeanor charges for protests that block traffic or cause accidents.
New Tire Sales Tax Goes to TDOT
Sales tax revenue from all new tire purchases will now go directly to the Tennessee Department of Transportation, helping fund traffic improvement projects. Previously, that money went into the state’s general fund.
Digital Vehicle Registration Now Accepted
Drivers pulled over by law enforcement will be allowed to show a digital version of their vehicle registration, rather than a paper copy.
No Bail for Armed Offenders
A new law restricts bail for defendants charged with violent crimes involving firearms or resulting in physical harm. These individuals will no longer qualify for release on their own recognizance while awaiting trial.
Abortion Pills by Mail Could Lead to Wrongful Death Claims
If someone has a medication abortion using pills like Mifepristone or Misoprostol received through the mail, the new law permits a wrongful death lawsuit to be filed in court.
Alcohol Overdose Now Covered Under Good Samaritan Law
Tennessee has expanded its Good Samaritan Overdose Law to include protection for those seeking medical help during an alcohol overdose, in addition to drug-related incidents.
Laser Pointer Use Now a Crime
Pointing a laser at a car, boat, or aircraft is now a criminal offense. Previously, this applied only when the laser targeted emergency responders or law enforcement.
