Week 11 Capitol Round-Up: Wins, Concerns & Bill Updates

As we move deeper into session, bills are moving quickly through committees and   House floor agendas are longer. Here’s a breakdown of key legislation and what’s ahead.

🚧 Transportation Committee Highlights

HB1457 – Pregnant Handicap Parking (High-Risk Only) Refines eligibility criteria to better prioritize those with the greatest need.

HB1790 – School Bus Driver Age Endorsement Allows local Boards of Education to lower the minimum age from 25 to 23, if they choose.

HB2474 – School Zone Traffic Cameras Limits ticketing to: When flashers are active, or when children are present

✔️ A step toward fairness and accountability.

🏛️ Government Operations Committee

• HB2509 – Workforce Housing Pilot Program 👉 Vote: Present Not Voting

  While well-intentioned, this bill raises concerns:

  • Definition of “essential” workers is concerning

  • Risk of tying housing to employment

  • Potential market distortion and displacement

  • Could squeeze out housing for lower-income families

  ➡️ We should focus on increasing opportunity—not creating dependency.

  
  

• HB2313 – Early Childhood Mental Health Home Visiting 👉 Vote: NO

  Concerns include:

  • Government entering private homes

  • Sensitive data collection without clear safeguards

  • Strain on an already limited mental health workforce

  • “Voluntary” programs becoming pressured or expected

  Supporting families should not come at the cost of privacy.

  
  

• HB1536 – Agricultural Innovation Initiative 👉 Vote: Present Not Voting

  I love the idea of agriculture education and innovation, but:

  • Farmers must maintain control of their data

  • More clarity is needed before moving forward

  
  

📝  Status of My Bills This Week

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

✅ Headed to the House Floor!

• K9 Officer Transport

• Digital Device (Refocusing Education on Teacher Led Instruction)

• Mature Minor (Parental Access to Medical Records)

  
  

⏳ Waiting to be heard in Full Committee

• Adoption Home Study Waiver for Prior Custodial Placement

• Personhood (Excludes AI)

• Veterans Preference Expansion

• Biometrics Reasonable Accommodation

  
  

❌ Status Changes

• UOCAVA bill failed in the Senate

• Firearm repeal moved to 2027 calendar in Senate

• Search warrant bill tabled for this year → will continue working on it

🏛️ House Floor Highlights

1. HB2302 – Autonomous vehicle traffic violations

2. HB1807 – Review process for suicide determinations

3. HB5 – Civil action against illegal abortion pill distribution into TN

4. HB2109 – Liability for funding riots that break other laws

5. HB754 – Insurance coverage for de-transition care

6. HB1499 – Convention of States

7. HB1788 – Restricts foreign land ownership

8. HB1729 – Expands homeschool testing options for those registered under a public school system

9. HB1952 – Expands optometry procedures

What’s Next?

The legislative process isn’t straightforward. Every bill must navigate stakeholders, gatekeepers, amendments,  unexpected pitfalls, and  committee members. What may sound simple on paper is often far more complex in practice. That’s why I remain focused on asking   questions, protecting constitutional principles, and making thoughtful decisions—even when the path isn’t easy.  With many more bills heading to the House floor, your feedback truly helps shape these decisions.

I do my best  for every vote to be grounded in a few key principles:

• Protect constitutional rights

• Limit government overreach

• Think through unintended consequences as much as possible

  
  

Not every bill is as simple as it sounds—and I’ll continue working to ensure Tennessee laws reflect both common sense and constitutional integrity.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve you.

Rep. Michele Reneau

Tennessee House District 27