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Tennessee Conservative News [By Olivia Lupia] –
Some new laws stemming from legislation passed by the General Assembly during the 2026 session which may be of interest to conservatives are set to take effect July 1, including a bevy of immigration-related items, religious freedom, regulating artificial intelligence, child welfare issues, and more.
Encouraging Public Schools To Display 10 Commandments & Foundational Documents
HB0047, now Public Chapter 924, allows local school boards and governing bodies of charter schools to showcase historically significant documents, like the Declaration of Independence, United States and Tennessee Constitutions, Bill of Rights, and the Ten Commandments. The display is permissive and not mandatory, but should a school choose to showcase the documents, they must be placed in a “prominent place”.
Authorizing School Boards To Open Meetings With Prayer
SB1957, now Public Chapter 710 and known as the “Tennessee Religious Freedom Act”, will allow local school boards to open meetings with voluntary prayers led by board members without coercing participation.
Preserving Freedom Of Expression At Higher Education Institutions
Dubbed “The Charlie Kirk Act”, HB1476, now Public Chapter 831, requires public institutions of higher learning to adopt two separate policies on freedom of expression and the role of such institutes in political and social action. It will also create protections for students and student organizations inviting speakers, hosting events on campus, and exercising their right to free speech under the First Amendment.
Citizenship Checks For Benefits Applicants
HB1710, now Public Chapter 1106, requires state and local agencies to verify citizenship or legal residency for adults seeking taxpayer-funded benefits. Applicants lacking proof would be reported to immigration authorities, while non-compliant agencies could face investigations, funding cuts, and misdemeanor charges for employees.
Prohibiting Illegal Aliens From Operating Commercial Vehicles
HB1706, now Public Chapter 1070, bans illegal aliens from driving commercial vehicles and creates a Class A misdemeanor for violators and employers who knowingly allow it. It also requires officers to notify immigration authorities and creates civil liability for related accidents and improper licensing.
Requiring Judges To Cooperate With Immigration Enforcement
HB1707, now Public Chapter 953, states that if a judge obstructs federal immigration enforcement, they can be reported to the Tennessee Board of Judicial Conduct which can investigate the judge for misconduct. If such misconduct is found, it could be grounds for removal from office.
Ensuring Illegal Aliens Cannot Obtain Professional Licenses
HB1709, now Public Chapter 955, prohibits illegal aliens from obtaining professional licenses by requiring proof of U.S. citizenship or legal status.
Criminalizing Illegal Aliens With Final Deportation Orders
HB1704, now Public Chapter 771, makes it a Class A misdemeanor to ignore a final deportation order or to enter or remain in Tennessee after being denied entry, deported, or removed from the U.S.
Criminalizing Doxing Of Immigration Officers
HB2506, now Public Chapter 686, makes it a Class E felony for officials to negligently release personal information of officers involved in active immigration enforcement operations or disclose confidential operational details.
Creating Criminal Offenses For Grooming Minors
HB2317, known as the “Tennessee Anti-Grooming Act” and now Public Chapter 1021, criminalizes grooming minors for sexual exploitation, creating penalties ranging from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class B felony based on the severity of the offense, ages, and relationship of those involved.
Prohibiting Educators From Sexual Behaviors With Former Students
SB2106, now Public Chapter 898, disciplines teachers who engage in sexually related behavior with former students they interacted with in the past year, with penalties ranging from reprimand to license revocation.
Testing For Drink Spiking & Increasing Penalties
SB2372, now Public Chapter 1131, requires testing devices to be stocked in businesses where alcohol is served and makes drugging or spiking someone else’s drink a Class D Felony. If convicted, an offender could face up to 12 years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
Requiring Drug Testing For Suspected Mass Shooters
SB2088, now Public Chapter 897, says a county medical examiner or regional forensic center must test a deceased suspected mass shooter for drugs, including therapeutic levels of psychotropic drugs, if the shooting resulted in four or more injuries or deaths.
Toughening Penalties For Retail Theft
SB2265, now Public Chapter 1124, targets repeat and organized retail theft by increasing penalties for individuals who commit retail theft while carrying a firearm, ammunition, or firearm accessory, including a mandatory 30-day minimum jail sentence.
Teaching Child Trafficking Awareness In Schools
HB1527, now Public Chapter 744, requires public schools and public charter schools to provide child trafficking awareness and prevention instruction to students in kindergarten through 12th grade through health education.
Limiting Classroom Technology
HB2393, now Public Chapter 808, requires schools to limit the use of digital devices and prioritize in-person, teacher-led instruction and the use of nonelectronic instructional materials for students in kindergarten through fifth grade. Some access will be allowed in specific situations including targeted instructional support for intervention or remediation, accommodations for disabled students, and other criteria specified in the legislation.
Preventing AI From Impersonating Mental Healthcare Professionals
SB1580, now Public Chapter 647, prohibits AI developers from marketing or claiming that an AI system is, or can function as, a licensed mental health professional.
Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
