Week 4 Capitol Round-Up: Bills Moving & MAHA Momentum

Week 4 at the Capitol was a busy one, with major announcements, committee hearings, and the bill filing deadline officially behind us. Here’s a quick round-up of what happened and what’s ahead.

🏛️ Governor’s State of the State

This week we heard Governor Lee deliver the State of the State Address, outlining his priorities for Tennessee in the year ahead.If you’d like to watch the full address, you can catch the replay here:👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpuurlRdKHg

🚦 Transportation Committee Update – HB 1684

The Transportation Committee heard HB 1684, and I want to thank everyone who reached out with emails and calls.

Personal Delivery Devices (PDDs) were already allowed under Tennessee law, but this bill updates statute to reflect changes in technology. Concerns raised by constituents were addressed in an amendment that:

• Removed pedestrian “rights” for devices, and

• Restored clear authority for cities to prohibit or regulate them.

  
  

Current law also already allows speeds:

• Up to 10 mph on sidewalks

• Up to 20 mph in bike lanes

  
  

The bill maintains those limits and extended those to the devices. We were told current devices typically operate at 12–15 mph with a 3–5 mile operational radius, helping fill short-distance delivery gaps that human drivers often avoid. I did raise concerns about speed and safety and was assured the technology allows devices to stop immediately.

🇺🇸 A Visit from Secretary Kennedy

We  welcomed Secretary Kennedy to the Capitol this week. It was great to hear him speak on federal initiatives, and I was honored to meet with him personally to share my MAHA legislative agenda for this session. I even sent him home with a Make Tennessee Healthy Again hat—and yes, you’ll have a chance to buy one after session ends!

📝 Bill Filing Deadline Recap

With the filing deadline behind us, here’s a one-sentence snapshot of my bills coming forward this week.

📅 My Bills on Notice in Committee Next Week

• HB 850 – Prohibits warrantless searches by TWRA and the Department of Agriculture

• HB 1247 – Sales tax relief on the first $20 of purchases paid with physical cash

• HB 853 – Closes loopholes so parents can access all medical records for their minor children

• HB 851 – Establishes a Tennessee residency requirement for absentee ballots

  
  

I’m grateful to serve you and to keep fighting for policies that protect families, freedom, and health here in Tennessee.

Warmly,

Rep. Michele Reneau

District 27

Tennessee House of Representatives