Week 10 Capitol Round-Up: Bills Advancing, Committees Closing

We are entering a critical phase of session. About half of subcommittees have now closed. You'll start to see committee schedules shift and some committees meeting twice a week to get through long agendas. Things are moving quickly, and decisions made in the next few weeks will determine what ultimately reaches the House floor.

Here’s what happened last week:

Transportation Committee Highlights

1. HB1457 (Handicap Parking):After discussion, the sponsor rolled the bill to a special calendar to continue refining and narrowing its scope.

2. HB2612 (REAL ID Transparency):Ensures driver’s license staff ask applicants whether they want a REAL ID or standard license—because  REAL ID is not mandated. It is optional.

3. HB2302 (Autonomous Vehicles):Establishes a clear process for issuing traffic violations to autonomous vehicles.

4. HB1752 (Road & Bridge Naming):I was honored to sponsor an amendment designating part of Amnicola Highway as the K-9 Diesel Memorial Highway, recognizing a Chattanooga Police K-9 who gave his life in the line of duty.

Government Operations Committee

• HB2530 (Regulatory Reform):This bill includes updates to regulatory processes. Originally, it removed licensure for interior designers, but after significant feedback from professionals in the field, that provision was removed.Thank you to everyone who reached out—your input made a difference.

• HB2475 (Child Care Safety Review): Allows exempt childcare agencies, charter schools, etc to request background reviews through state departments to ensure employees do not have records of abuse or neglect. 

• HB1959 (PBM Reform – Pharmacy Benefits Managers): I’ve received many emails about this bill. Contrary to claims from large pharmacy chains like CVS, this bill does not eliminate pharmacies or restrict access. Instead, it:

  • Prevents PBMs from owning and controlling pharmacies in ways that disadvantage independent providers

  • Increases transparency in drug pricing

  • Protects patients and local pharmacies from anti-competitive practices

  This is about fair competition and patient access, not limiting care.

  
  

 Status of My Bills This Week

Here’s where key legislation I’m working on stands:

Advancing Forward:

• K-9 Transport Bill → Passed Health Committee, heading to Government Operations

• Firearm Penalty Reform → Passed Criminal Justice Subcommittee, moving to Full Judiciary

• Mature Minor Clarification → Passed Health Subcommittee, heading to Full Committee

• AI Personhood Bill → Passed Civil Justice, next stop Full Judiciary

• Biometrics Opt-Out Bill → Passed Business & Utilities, moving to Commerce Committee

• Veterans Preference Bill → Advancing to State & Local Government Committee

• Search Warrant / Property Rights Bill → Placed on Special Calendar in Criminal Justice subcommittee

  
  

Still on Calendar in Full Committees as well:

• Adoption Reform Bill

• Digital Device Bill

• UOCAVA Election Bill

  
  

Needing Further Work:

• Public Safety Bill → Did not advance out of Cities & Counties Subcommittee

House Floor Highlights

1. HB793: Requires schools to document student citizenship or legal status at enrollment and provide data to state board. It does not prevent any child from enrolling in school.

2. HB1704: Creates penalties for unlawful reentry or refusal to comply with federal removal orders.

3. HB1705: Requires government employers to verify work authorization

4. HB2017: Protects hunting rights by keeping regulation consistent statewide while preserving local firearm discharge authority near schools

5. HB1665: Strengthens parental consent protections in medical and psychological settings 

6. HB1470: Prohibits AI systems from presenting themselves as licensed medical or mental health professionals

What’s Next?

As committees begin closing, every remaining hearing becomes more important. Bills must move now—or they won’t move at all this session.

Your engagement continues to make a real impact. Whether it was feedback on regulatory changes, support for parental rights, or advocacy for small businesses—your voice is shaping these outcomes. Thank you for the privilege of serving you.

Rep. Michele Reneau

Tennessee House District 27