Tennessee Legislative Report
Ron Reiling, MWACA Lobbyist/St. Louis Liaison
A New Domestic Violence Offender Registry Becomes Law in Tennessee – creation of a statewide registry for repeat domestic violence offenders. Tennessee becomes one of the first states in the nation to establish a publicly accessible system designed specifically to track individuals convicted multiple times of domestic abuse–related crimes.
Tougher DUI and Implied Consent Rules Take Effect in Tennessee. Tennessee drivers will face stricter consequences related to impaired driving beginning January 1, 2026, as changes to the state’s implied consent laws come into force. Implied consent means that, by operating a motor vehicle, drivers agree to submit to chemical testing if they are lawfully suspected of driving under the influence. Under the updated law, refusing a blood test when requested by law enforcement will automatically constitute a violation of implied consent, regardless of whether officers later obtain a warrant.
Transportation companies and employers with fleet vehicles may need to revisit internal policies related to impaired driving, testing, and employee discipline in light of the revised DUI laws. Insurance providers are also expected to adjust risk assessments in light of the harsher penalties now in place.
Tennessee law HB 1814, effective in 2026, requires greater transparency for prospective tenants. Landlords must provide information about property management agencies to individuals seeking to rent a property, including the agency’s name and address. Renters also have the right to receive, in writing, the names and addresses of all property owners. The law further requires landlords to either provide a maintenance contact name and phone number or establish an online portal for tenant communication.
Allowing deadly force to protect property SB1847/HB1802 allows the use of deadly force to protect property in certain situations. Under the law, property owners would be allowed to use deadly force to prevent trespassing, arson, damage to property, burglary, theft, robbery or aggravated cruelty to animals. The legislation does not allow the use of deadly force against someone who is facing away from the property owner.