Fair Repair Act – SB888/HB1382
Legislation that would require “Digital electronic product” manufacturers to, among other things, make diagnostic and repair information available to product owners. This bill is again scheduled for the House Subcommittee on Wednesday, delayed to amend it to broaden the scope to include car repairs as well as it’s original narrow application: “farm tractors.” Learn more about other kinds of “Right to Repair” legislation here, and the specifics of this bill here.
Broadband – SB1215/HB529
The Governor’s bill aims to spur availability to broadband for more than 800,000 Tennesseans without access. The Governor’s bill moved along smoothly last week advancing to the Finance committees in both the House and Senate for this week. Some cable/internet providers have spoken against the legislation. Learn more here.
Data Breach – SB547/HB545
An update of data breach legislation passed last year that more specifically defines disclosure requirements. This bill has now passed both the full Senate and House and has been sent to the Governor for his signature.
Autonomous Vehicles – SB151/HB381 and SB252/HB296
Legislation that would regulate how automated vehicles can operate in Tennessee. The issue is a contentious one between traditional auto manufacturers and producers of self-driving automation technology. GM’s legislation was again deferred in both the House and Senate last week and is up again in both places this week. Learn more here and here.
Short Term Rentals – SB260/HB371, SB372/HB497, SB1038/HB1231, SB1086/HB1020
The industry bill passed out of the House Business and Utilities Committee this past week and will now go to the House Local Government Committee. The bill will likely be heard there on 4/4. The Senate companion is again calendared for the Senate Commerce next Tuesday. The platforms (Airbnb/HomeAway) remain at odds on this legislation with the Hospitality Association and local governments. Learn more here, here, here, and here.
Educator License Endorsements – SB232/HB918
Legislation that would require the State Board of Education to create an endorsement in computer science for all teachers who hold a valid license pursuant to statute and demonstrate sufficient content knowledge in the course material. This bill passed the Senate Floor and is was for the House Floor on Monday.
Alternative Energy Regulation – SB1336/HB1021
Placeholder legislation to be amended to focus on regulating the build-out and expansion of wind energy production in Tennessee, requiring locales to create rules on expansion. Learn more here.
Apprenticeships – SB1313/HB1391
The legislation establishes the office of apprenticeship at TN ECD and work-study programs within the department; provides a tax credit to entities that participate in the programs; and reinstates certain apprenticeship programs for certain professional boards and commissions. This bill received a neutral recommendation from the Senate Government Operations this past week. Learn more here.
Bathroom Bill – SB771/HB888
The bill died in Senate Education last week for a lack of a motion – meaning that no Senators were willing to move the bill to even let the sponsor present it. Learn more here and learn more about the Tennessee Thrives coalition here.