NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – It takes a lot for a bill to become a law, and as we are still fresh in the new year, lawmakers in Tennessee have been introducing loads of them.

WSMV4 has reported on multiple bills that have been introduced in 2024. So, where are they now?

• SJR 0906: “Supports Texas in efforts to secure its border and affirms each state’s constitutional right of self-defense.”
  • Passed and referred to calendar committee with a positive recommendation.
• HB 0996: Amendment added, “as amended, prohibits topics related to sexual activity from being taught to students in any of the grades kindergarten through 5 as part of a family life curriculum.”
  • Passed on to Calendar & Rules Committee
• SB 1595: “As introduced, prohibits emotional support animals that are not trained, or being trained, to perform tasks or work for a person with a disability from indoor areas of food service establishments.”
  • Recommended for passage and referred to Senate Calendar Committee
• SB 1659: “As introduced, increases from 1,500 to 5,000 the number of acres of land that may be placed within one property tax jurisdiction for purposes of classification and assessment as agricultural, forest, or open space land; increases from 1,500 to 5,000 the maximum acreage available to a real property owner that may be classified as forest or open space land.”
  • Recommended for passage and referred to Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee.
• HB 1909: “As introduced, specifies that it is not a criminal offense for an adult person to carry or possess pepper spray, a taser, or another similar device for purposes of self-defense when on property owned, operated, or in use by any college or university board of trustees, regents, or directors for the administration of any public or private educational institution; prohibits the adoption of a policy by a college, university, or other educational institution prohibiting an adult person from carrying pepper spray, a taser, or another similar device for purposes of self-defense when on property owned, operated, or in use by any college or university board of trustees, regents, or directors for the administration of any public or private educational institution.”
  • Deferred to Criminal Justice Subcommittee to Feb. 13.
• HB 1895: “As introduced, creates the criminal offense of abortion trafficking of a minor; provides for a civil action against a person committing the offense of abortion trafficking of a minor for the wrongful death of an unborn child that was aborted.”
  • Deferred in Population Health Subcommittee to Feb. 13.
• HB 1884: “As introduced, specifies that the offense of criminal abortion does not include an abortion that was necessary due to a medical emergency affecting the physical or mental health of the pregnant person or performed on a patient whose pregnancy was the result of rape or incest.”
  • Failed in Population Health Subcommittee.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

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