Lawrence County Tennessee Overview

04/30/2026

TENNESSEE STATE SENATE
Senator Joey Hensley, M.D.
114th General Assembly adjourns sine die

The 114th General Assembly adjourned sine die on Thursday following a productive 2026 legislative session. The legislature enacted conservative policies that enhance public safety, drive health care reform, expand educational opportunity and reinforce Tennessee’s economic strength.

Lt. Governor Randy McNally was presented with the first-ever Tri-Star General Award, honoring an extraordinary 48-year career of public service in the Tennessee General Assembly as he prepares to retire later this year. Gov. Bill Lee and House Speaker Cameron Sexton joined Senate Majority Leader on the Senate floor to mark the occasion, alongside McNally’s family, in a moment that reflected both gratitude and deep respect.

This marked his final legislative session of the 114th General Assembly serving as Lt. Governor and Senate Speaker—a role in which he has provided decades of steady leadership and principled guidance. McNally leaves behind a lasting legacy defined not only by his commitment to public service, but by the relationships he built along the way. Colleagues on both sides of the aisle offered heartfelt tributes, reflecting on his mentorship, genuine friendship, and trademark sense of humor.

2026 Legislative Session Highlights

Lawmakers continued their strong record of fiscal discipline, keeping taxes low while ensuring state government operates with the greatest efficiency for the people it serves.

This year's zero-debt $58.3 billion balanced budget advances legislative priorities with smart, targeted investments that secure Tennessee's future and strengthen its well-earned reputation as a state where families thrive and businesses succeed.

The session delivered a strong slate of conservative wins, including enhanced penalties for domestic violence and human trafficking, school safety grants, regulatory freedom legislation, campus free speech protections, parental rights expansions and support for law enforcement and first responders. Legislators also advanced critical infrastructure projects, workforce development initiatives and stronger protections for vulnerable adults and children.

Healthy Tennessee Families

Recognizing the unique challenges facing rural communities, the legislature directed significant resources toward rural health care. Tennessee’s 2026 session also took a targeted, system-focused approach to health care competition and regulatory reforms.

These legislative efforts include:

Quicker access to new FDA-approved medications HB 2136/ SB 2556)
Fair Rx Act, major pharmacy reform that reduces conflicts of interest and increases transparency in drug pricing (HB 1959 / SB 2040)
Created a new pathway for internationally trained physicians to practice in Tennessee, helping address provider shortages, particularly in rural communities (HB 2571 / SB 2366)
Directed $205 million to utilize Shared Savings for health care initiatives, including funding Rural Health Transformation Resiliency Grants
$230 million to TennCare to cover increasing costs associated with medical inflation, including higher prescription drug prices and Medicare payments and increased services
Eliminated Certificate of Need (CON) for acute care hospitals, emergency rooms and cardiac catheterization labs (HB 819/ SB 1369)
Terminated Certificates of Public Advantage (COPA) (HB 2278/ SB2414)
Expanded step therapy to all cancer patients (HB 1956/ SB 2081)
Protected medical freedom through the SHIELD Act by ensuring providers are not penalized for treating patients who decline vaccinations (HB 2243/ SB 2070)
Created a 3-year pilot program to support caregivers' lost wages and expenses(HB1443/SB1777)


Safer Communities

The General Assembly enacted new laws to strengthen public safety, along with first-in-the-nation legislation to expand enforcement of illegal immigration.

Banned kratom also known as "gas station he**in" (HB 1649/ SB 1656)
Created a presumption against releasing defendants if they are charged with offenses involving a firearm that result in death or bodily injury (HB 33 / SB 218 )
Ensured victims of domestic violence and other crimes can use a substitute address to keep their home address hidden from their abusers (HB 1552/ SB 1640)
Limited third-party groups from posting bail for criminal defendants (HB 1450/ SB 1708)
Passed the Memphis Safe Task Force Accountability Act, which improves transparency and preserves the integrity of judicial rulings (HB 1484/ SB 1467)
Established a Class D felony offense for coercive su***de (HB 1951/ SB 1815)
Strengthened accountability for the Shelby County judicial system (HB 483/ HB 443)
Expanded self-defense protections to include victims of human trafficking (HB 1354/ SB 1225)
Added aggravating circumstances for prosecutors to pursue the death penalty for child rapists (HB 1454/ SB 1659)
Required s*x offenders to notify campgrounds of their status (HB 1922/SB 1930)

You May Contact Senator Hensley at
425 Rep. John Lewis Way N., Suite 742
Nashville TN 37243
615-741-3100
Toll Free 1-800-449-8366 ext. 13100
Fax 615-253-0231
Phone 931-796-2018
Cell Phone 931-212-8823
E-mail: [email protected]

04/28/2026

Freedom of Speech laced with lies and defamation can be costly when legally challenged in a Court of Law.⚖️

04/19/2026

Learn about Lawrence County Tennessee, the home of Founder DAVID CROCKETT at ShoalCreekSage.com. A perfect location for Retirees and Industry Expansion. A place focused on adherence to The U.S. Constitution.🤗

03/20/2026

State Senate Tennessee
Legislative Update from
Senator Joey Hensley, MD

Improving data collection to research potential links of mass violence and psychotropic medications

To strengthen research into causes of mass violence, the Judiciary Committee passed Senate Bill 2088. The legislation establishes a consent-based process for obtaining biological samples from those suspected of committing a mass shooting for drug testing, with a focus on psychotropic medications.

Secretary Bobby Kennedy Jr. and others stated that the advent of the prescription of these psychotropic and gender changing drugs is certainly a piece of the puzzle as we investigate why we are having so many of these mass shootings. The University of Tennessee Health Science Department will study the interaction of these drugs to see if we can find solutions.

Under the bill, if the suspect is a minor, consent must be provided by a parent or legal guardian. Test results will be submitted to the University of Tennessee Medical Center to support ongoing research into potential drug interactions and contributing factors in mass violence incidents. Findings from the study will be reported quarterly to the General Assembly.

Additionally, the proposal expands the definition of a mass shooting to include incidents where four or more individuals are injured or where there is a clear attempt to kill four or more people, regardless of whether fatalities occur.

The bill now heads to the Senate Floor for final consideration.

Cracking down on drones over correctional facilities

To enhance security at correctional facilities, the Judiciary Committee passed Senate Bill 1631. The bill increases the penalty for knowingly operating an unmanned aircraft, such as drones, over any portion of property that includes a correctional facility. The legislation raises the offense from a Class C misdemeanor to a Class C felony.

Drones are increasingly being used to smuggle contraband into correctional facilities, putting correctional officers, inmates and the public at risk. This legislation strengthens penalties for those who attempt to use this technology to bypass security and gives correctional staff the authority they need to protect our facilities while ensuring actions are taken in accordance with federal law.

The legislation also grants correctional facility employees the authority to disable drones flying over prison property and provides liability protections when those actions are taken lawfully. Additionally, the proposal clarifies that military personnel, law enforcement officers and correctional facility employees may operate unmanned aircraft over correctional facilities while performing official duties.

The bill now heads to the Finance Committee for fiscal review.

Cracking down on drink spiking and strengthening safeguards

To combat drink spiking and improve safety, the Judiciary Committee unanimously passed Senate Bill 2372. The legislation makes it a Class D Felony to tamper with food, drinks, or medicine with the intent to intoxicate, harm, seriously injure, or kill another person, with penalties increasing based on the severity of the harm.

The measure also requires licensees that sell or offer samples of intoxicating alcoholic beverages to maintain drug-testing devices so customers can quickly test beverages.

Drink spiking is a serious threat to public safety and too often connected to s*xual assault. Studies indicate that one in five s*xual assaults involve drink spiking, highlighting the need for stronger protections. This legislation strengthens penalties for tampering with someone’s drink and ensures customers have access to tools that can quickly detect if their beverage has been compromised.

The bill now heads to the Senate Floor for final consideration.

Updates to alcohol laws regarding celebrity endorsements advances

To modernize Tennessee’s alcohol laws while preserving the integrity of the three-tier system, the Judiciary Committee advanced Senate Bill 2163. The legislation establishes a clear legal framework for celebrity endorsement agreements within the alcohol industry.

This bill allows manufacturers, wineries, and non-resident sellers to maintain a direct or indirect interest in a licensed retail establishment if that interest is held in an irrevocable trust managed by an independent trustee. Individuals participating in the trust are prohibited from participating in daily operations of the business, while being allowed to enter into licensing agreements for use of their name, image and likeness. These agreements allow compensation through fixed fees or a percentage of the sales, not exceeding 10%.

Tennessee’s three tier system is the structure that separates the alcohol industry into three levels: manufacturers (breweries, distilleries, wineries, etc), wholesalers, and retailers. Under this system, each tier must operate independently, ensuring one tier cannot own or control a business in another tier.

The bill now heads to the State and Local Committee for further review.

You May Contact Senator Hensley at
425 Rep. John Lewis Way N., Suite 742
Nashville TN 3724
615-741-3100
Toll Free 1-800-449-8366 ext. 13100
Fax 615-253-0231
855 Summertown Highway
Hohenwald TN 38462
Phone 931-796-2018
Cell Phone 931-212-8823
E-mail: [email protected]

03/15/2026

Senate - State of Tennessee
Legislative Update from
Senator Joey Hensley, MD

Proposal to ensure Tennessee drivers understand the rules of the road moves ahead

The Senate Transportation Committee passed legislation this week to ensure drivers licensed in Tennessee can understand traffic laws and road safety information written in English.

Senate Bill 1889 is part of the ‘IMMIGRATION 2026’ agenda and would require applicants who cannot read and speak English to receive a restricted driver license for one year and retake the written driver license exam in English before obtaining full driving privileges.

Driving in Tennessee isn’t a right—it’s a privilege, and that privilege comes with the responsibility to understand our laws and the signs that keep people safe on the road. If you want the privilege of driving here, you should be able to read the rules of the road in English. We need to remember that even ET learned English when he was here before he went home. This is about common sense, public safety, and making sure everyone operating a vehicle on Tennessee roads understands the laws they’re expected to follow.

Current Tennessee law allows individuals who are lawfully present in the United States to obtain a driver license, and the measure maintains that eligibility while establishing an additional requirement to promote roadway safety. The bill also requires proof of U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent residence, or temporary lawful resident status prior to registering a vehicle.

The bill now moves to the Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee for further consideration.

Ensuring truck drivers can communicate on Tennessee roads

Another bill that advanced this week aimed at ensuring commercial truck drivers operating in Tennessee can read and speak English well enough to understand traffic signs, communicate with law enforcement, and complete required safety records. Senate Bill 1748 would prohibit employers from allowing drivers with a Commercial Drivers License (CDL) who cannot meet federal English-language safety standards to operate commercial motor vehicles.

If an officer determines during a safety inspection that a driver cannot communicate sufficiently in English, the driver would be issued an out of service (OOS) order, preventing the vehicle from being operated until a qualified driver is available. Employers who knowingly allow the violation could face a $500 fine. The legislation also requires the Tennessee Department of Safety to suspend a CDL until the driver demonstrates sufficient English proficiency by passing a state-administered test that aligns with federal language requirements.

Measure strengthening cooperation with federal immigration authorities moves forward

To continue efforts to combat illegal immigration, the Senate Judiciary Committee passed Senate Bill 1486. The legislation requires local law enforcement agencies to honor immigration detainers issued by federal authorities, such as ICE, by holding certain illegal alien detainees for up to 48 hours so federal officials have time to take custody.

If someone is here illegally and ends up in our jails, they shouldn’t be walking right back out the door before federal authorities have the chance to take them into custody. Tennessee will not be a safe haven for illegal immigration. This bill makes sure our law enforcement can work hand-in-hand with federal officials to enforce the law and keep our communities safe. After all, even Heaven has an immigration policy.

Currently, under the 287(g) program, local law enforcement must notify ICE when an individual in custody is unlawfully present, but they may release that person shortly after providing notification. SB 1486 closes that gap by allowing law enforcement to maintain custody for a limited period while federal authorities respond.

The bill now heads to the Finance Committee for fiscal review.

Lawmakers advance effort to protect churches from destruction and disruption

The Judiciary Committee advances legislation this week to strengthen protections for churches and religious congregations across Tennessee. Senate Bill 2468 establishes stricter criminal and civil penalties for individuals who vandalize houses of worship or intentionally disrupt religious services.

Recent incidents around the country, including protests targeting churches like those seen in Minnesota, make it clear that we must remain vigilant in protecting the right to worship freely. In Tennessee, we will always stand up for religious liberty and ensure our churches and houses of worship are protected from intimidation, violence, and vandalism.

The bill criminalizes the use of force, threats, or physical barriers to intimidate or harm individuals practicing their faith and makes the intentional destruction of religious property a felony offense. A first violation would be a Class E felony; a second violation elevated to a Class C felony; and interfering with services or gatherings would be classified as a Class A misdemeanor. The legislation also requires offenders to pay a mandatory fine of at least twice the amount of property damage, loss, or restoration costs resulting from the offense.

Senate Bill 2468 now heads to the Senate Floor for final vote.

You May Contact Senator Hensley at
425 Rep. John Lewis Way N., Suite 742
Nashville TN 37243
615-741-3100
Toll Free 1-800-449-8366 ext. 13100
Fax 615-253-0231
855 Summertown Highway
Hohenwald TN 38462
Phone 931-796-2018
Cell Phone 931-212-8823
E-mail: [email protected]

02/27/2026

TENNESSEE STATE SENATE REPORT

02/27/2026

State Senate of Tennessee
Legislative Update from
Senator Joey Hensley, MD

Legislation proposes fund safeguarding children’s online safety

To better fund efforts to protect children’s mental health and safety, the Judiciary Committee passed Senate Bill 2061. The bill creates the "Children's Digital Protection Fund” to hold money recovered from legal claims against social media and gaming platforms related to harm to minors. Funds deposited into the account, including settlement proceeds, civil penalties, and accrued interest, would be strictly reserved for children’s mental health services, research, law enforcement efforts, and su***de prevention initiatives focused on digital safety.

Children today are growing up in a digital world that presents real and serious mental health challenges. If companies are found to have harmed minors, the resources recovered from those cases should go directly toward helping our kids. This legislation ensures that funds secured through enforcement actions are reinvested in mental health services, research, su***de prevention, and law enforcement efforts focused on protecting children online.

The State Treasurer and the Attorney General will oversee the fund’s management and expenditures, ensuring all recoveries remain dedicated to these specific purposes.

The bill now heads to the Finance Committee for fiscal review.

Legislation advances to restore focus on youth fitness in Tennessee schools

The Senate Education Committee this week advanced Senate Bill 1979 to reintroduce competitive youth fitness assessments in Tennessee schools and place a renewed emphasis on student health and wellness.

The legislation requires schools to administer the Presidential Fitness Test to measure cardiovascular endurance and other key indicators of physical fitness while encouraging students to set goals and strive for personal achievement.

Reinstating this program will put young Americans on a lifelong path toward health and wellness, improving their quality of life and helping prepare them for future service to our state and nation.

Originally created under President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956, the Presidential Fitness Test recognized excellence in physical education and was used nationwide for decades. The Obama administration replaced it with a less competitive test. Now, under President Trump, the Presidential Fitness Test program is being revived with a renewed focus on friendly competition, achievement, and strong physical conditioning.

Historically the test included events such as a one-mile run, push-ups, sit-ups, pull-ups, a shuttle run, and the sit-and-reach. Students who earn top scores will receive recognition for their accomplishments, reinforcing the value of discipline, goal-setting, and healthy lifestyles.

The assessment may be conducted during physical education classes or other required physical activity periods. Student results will not affect academic grades, and appropriate accommodations will be available for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or Section 504 plans. Participation will not be required in cases where it would be unsafe.

Consumer protection bill cracks down on hidden fees, strengthens privacy

Legislation approved by the Senate this week targets hidden fees in online purchases, strengthens protections for personal data and prevents out-of-state corporations from burying Tennessee taxpayers in expensive legal fishing expeditions. Senate Bill 1735 updates the state’s consumer protection laws to reflect the way Tennesseans shop and do business today.

This legislation is about fairness and transparency for the people of Tennessee. When a price is advertised, you should be able to trust that’s the real price. At the same time, we are protecting taxpayers from costly litigation tactics, strengthening privacy protections for new technologies and making sure our Attorney General can act quickly when consumers are being taken advantage of.

One key provision takes aim at “drip pricing” — a practice many consumers encounter when buying concert tickets, booking travel or making purchases online. A price is advertised as one amount, but mandatory fees are added at the last minute, driving up the total cost. The legislation gives the Attorney General clear authority to enforce full, upfront price disclosure so Tennesseans know the real cost before they click “buy.”

The bill also protects taxpayers from costly and overly broad legal demands by clarifying that the Attorney General cannot be forced to gather documents from every state agency when defending a case. This prevents large corporate defendants from using sweeping discovery requests that consume staff time and public resources — a tactic that ultimately drives up costs for taxpayers.

Additional provisions speed up the resolution of consumer protection cases, reinforce Tennessee’s ban on certain class-action lawsuits, and close a loophole in state law so biometric data, including information derived from photos and videos used for facial recognition, is covered by stronger privacy safeguards.

By cutting red tape, increasing price transparency and modernizing privacy protections, this bill ensures Tennessee consumers keep more of their hard-earned money, while state government operates more efficiently and responsibly

You May Contact Senator Hensley at
425 Rep. John Lewis Way N., Suite 742
Nashville TN 37243
615-741-3100
Toll Free 1-800-449-8366 ext. 13100
Fax 615-253-0231
855 Summertown Highway
Hohenwald TN 38462
Phone 931-796-2018
Cell Phone 931-212-8823
E-mail: [email protected]

02/23/2026

David Crockett should be the Featured Person on the Lawrence County State Park Entrance Billboard; NOT DANIEL BOONE🤔

The Lawrence County Commissioners and Lawrenceburg City Management should DEMAND that The Tennessee Historical Commission should get DANIEL BOONE's Image removed from the entrance of the David Crockett State Park in Lawrenceburg and replaced with the image of DAVID CROCKETT. This grievous error needs immediate correction. Please share this if you support Historical Accuracy.🤔

02/01/2026

David Crockett deserves an accurate Historical Record⏳

The Lawrence County Commissioners and Lawrenceburg City Management should DEMAND that The Tennessee Historical Commission should get DANIEL BOONE's Image removed from the entrance of the David Crockett State Park in Lawrenceburg and replaced with the image of DAVID CROCKETT. This grievous error needs immediate correction. Please share this if you support Historical Accuracy.🤔

02/01/2026

The Lawrence County Commissioners and Lawrenceburg City Management should DEMAND that The Tennessee Historical Commission should get DANIEL BOONE's Image removed from the entrance of the David Crockett State Park in Lawrenceburg and replaced with the image of DAVID CROCKETT. This grievous error needs immediate correction. Please share this if you support Historical Accuracy.🤔