Paris, Tenn.—Newly-elected State Rep. Bruce Griffey wants his constituents to be aware of 31 new laws that go into effect January 1.
“These laws were voted upon by the Tennessee legislature prior to my election on November 6 as your new State Representative for District 75,” Griffey said. “Nevertheless, I believe it is critical to communicate with constituents to ensure they have knowledge not only of proposed legislation coming down the pipeline at the Capitol, but also of legislation that has passed and will be going into effect.”
Griffey provided highlights of a few of the new laws which might have the greatest impact on or garner the greatest interest by Tennessee citizens:
- Sunday Wine Sales. Retail packaging stores were able to start selling alcohol on Sunday this year, but retail grocery stores were not included for purposes of selling wine. Starting January 1, pursuant to HB1540, grocery stores like Walmart will be able to sell wine on Sundays between 10 a.m. and 11 p.m. – the same time they are permitted to sell beer.
- Immigration. HB2315/SB2332 will go into effect January 1 and prohibit local and state governmental entities, including law enforcement agencies and officials, from adopting ‘Sanctuary City’ policies. It also provides that any state or local entity which adopts a sanctuary policy will be ineligible to receive state funds until the policy is rescinded.
- Abortion. HB0108 will require women seeking an abortion in Tennessee beginning January 1 to get an ultrasound prior to the abortion. Additionally, the person performing the ultrasound will need to offer an “opportunity to learn the results of the ultrasound.” Also, documentation will be required as to whether a heartbeat was detected or not during the ultrasound.
- Opioids. HB2004/SB2022 requires, effective January 1, the Tennessee Department of Health to establish and maintain a public toll-free telephone line and web-based hotline for citizens to report potential opioid abuse or diversion. The Department of Health will refer those reports to a health board or law enforcement. Also, any establishment or entity which prescribes, dispenses, or handles opioids must display a sign calling for citizens to call the hotline if they suspect abuse. Anyone who calls the hotline will be “immune from civil liability” or from being fired from employment relating to their reporting of suspected abuse.
- Handgun Permits. Beginning Jan. 1, HB1038 will exempt from the firing range and classroom hours requirements to obtain a handgun carry permit anyone who in the 5 years preceding the date of application has successfully completed a Department of Correction firearms qualification.
- Licensing Impacted by Failure to Repay Student Loans.SB2306 gives licensing authorities discretion whether or not to deny, suspend or revoke a license based on the applicant or licensee having defaulted or become delinquent on student loan repayments unless, however, the licensing authority determines that the default or delinquency is the result of a medical hardship that prevented the person from working in the person’s licensed field and the medical hardship significantly contributed to the default or delinquency.
- Vehicular Accident Damage. Effective January 1, pursuant to HB1515, the minimum property damage threshold for motor vehicle accidents to require a written report to the Department of Safety will be increased to $1,500 instead of the current $400 threshold.
- Interstate Medical License Compact.HB0664 will connect Tennessee, effective January 1, to the Interstate Medical License Compact, a nationwide streamlined process for physician licensing. This will help give people more access to patient care. The compact makes it easier to license across state lines without federal regulations. Over 20 states are part of the compact.
- Lead in School Drinking Water. SB0619/HB0631 goes into effect January 1 and requires each local board of education to develop a policy and implement a program to reduce potential sources of lead contamination in drinking water at public schools.
- Suicide Mortality Review and Prevention Act. Beginning Jan. 1, SB1949 creates a suicide review program to research suicide statistics and prevent suicide deaths in Tennessee.
- November Voting and School Closings. HB1344/SB1399 requires public schools used as polling places for regular November election to be closed for instruction on Election Day. For elections outside of the normal November election, it will be up to law enforcement agencies to decide if the schools should close.
For a full list of all 31 laws going into effect on New Year’s Day, Griffey asks that you visit the State Representative Facebook page.