Week 9 Capitol Round-Up: Food Dyes, 2A, My Bills and What's next

The pace is picking up quickly as we approach the final weeks of session. Many subcommittees are now on their last calendars, which means most bills will move—or die—within the next two weeks. Here is a recap of the highlights from this week: 

🚧 Transportation Subcommittee

Two bills passed in Transportation this week addressing safety and driver qualification standards:

HB1706 makes it a Class A misdemeanor for a person unlawfully present in the United States to operate a commercial motor vehicle in Tennessee.

HB1708 requires applicants who cannot read or speak English sufficiently to receive a one-year restricted driver license and retake the written exam in English before receiving a standard license.

These measures are aimed at improving roadway safety and ensuring commercial drivers meet communication standards necessary for safe operation.

📝  Status of My Bills This Week

Several of my bills saw movement this week.

The Adoption Bill and K-9 Officer Transport Bill both advanced to Full Committee.

Digital Devices in Schools Bill and UOCAVA Election Integrity Bill remain on calendar awaiting hearings. Committee agendas were very long this week, and we did not reach them.

Fluoridation Bill The bill was rolled in Agriculture Full Committee for further research and the next day failed in the Senate by one vote. While it did not pass this year, the discussion educated many Tennesseans about the issue. Go here and click on Video to watch both hearings on it. 

HJR 780 – Right to Food Constitutional Amendment Unfortunately, this proposal failed due to lack of a second motion. 

Drone Legislation This bill was taken off notice after the Senate sponsor withdrew support following concerns raised by outside stakeholders.

Data Center Water Impact This bill will likely not be heard this session due to procedural limits on amendments in the Senate Commerce Committee.

📅 Next Week at the Capitol in subcommittees

Several of my bills are still awaiting first hearings as we enter the final stretch of session:

• Repeal of automatic criminal penalty for lawful firearm carry violations

• Mature Minor loophole fix

• Personhood legislation to codify AI does not quality as a person

• Biometric reasonable accommodations for those who object when taking license exams

• Veterans hiring preference local expansion

• Public Safety Department legislation

🏛️ House Floor Highlights

Removing Petroleum-Based Food Dyes from School Meals (HB1853)

This week the House passed my bill to remove petroleum-based synthetic food dyes from school nutrition programs. The goal is simple: reduce unnecessary chemical exposure for children. Tennessee is taking a proactive step to protect children’s health.

Protecting Second Amendment Rights for Renters (HB469)

Ensures Tennesseans cannot be prohibited from legally possessing firearms in their rental homes. The bill protects a tenant’s right to carry and store firearms. Landlords may require firearms to be concealed or properly stored when moving through shared areas. Certain facilities such as health care institutions, mental health facilities, schools, and some senior living centers are exempt.

Protecting Public Funds (HB2498)

This legislation prevents public funds from being used to subsidize gender transition procedures by prohibiting TennCare from covering procedures intended to alter a person’s biological sex or treat gender dysphoria for that purpose.

Exceptions are included for congenital defects, precocious puberty, disease, or physical injury.

College Professor Tenure Policy (HB2194)

This bill requires Tennessee public universities to adopt policies ensuring that tenure cannot be used as a disciplinary tool. It establishes uniform disciplinary procedures for both tenured and non-tenured faculty while maintaining due process protections. Institution leaders—including chancellors and governing boards—retain authority over suspension and termination decisions.

Civics Education (HB2395)

Another bill I sponsored passed the House this week. HB2395 ensures students are exposed to the founding principles of our nation. The legislation directs public and charter schools to show a state-approved civics instructional video once in middle school and once in high school. The video must explain:

• The meaning of the Declaration of Independence• The founding principle that our rights come from our Creator• The religious beliefs and moral convictions of many of our nation’s founders

The video must also be historically accurate and free of political advocacy. This legislation idea was brought to me by a constituent who served on the Textbook Commission and saw a gap in curriculum for these ideas.

Two bills raised constitutional concerns for me. 

HB2453 – Consumer Protection Act Changes

This bill amends the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act but also alters rules governing lawsuits involving the state. I voted Present Not Voting due to three concerns that I was hoping would be addressed during debate but the voting was called before debate occurred.

• Retrospective law concerns – Changing discovery rules for lawsuits already underway could violate the Tennessee Constitution’s prohibition on retrospective laws.

• Separation of powers – The bill may intrude on the judiciary’s authority to determine what evidence is discoverable in court.

• Transparency concerns – Shielding legislative records from discovery could limit the courts’ ability to examine legislative intent.

HB1791 – Early Appeals in Lawsuits Against the State

This bill allows the Attorney General to immediately appeal certain early court rulings against the state, potentially delaying lawsuits. While this could benefit the state when defending important laws, I am concerned that limiting access to the courts ultimately limits everyone’s rights, regardless of the issue involved. I voted Present Not Voting on this as the voting was called before debate to flesh out any concerns.

What’s Next?

With subcommittees closing their calendars, the next two weeks will determine which bills move forward and which do not. It’s a busy time at the Capitol, and I appreciate everyone who has reached out, testified in committee, or followed along throughout session. Thank you for staying engaged in the legislative process.

Rep. Michele Reneau

Tennessee House District 27