Hawaii General Obligation Bond Authorization

The Hawaii State Legislature passed HB2452 authorizing the issuance of general obligation bonds and making the findings required by Article VII, Section 13 of the Hawaii State Constitution. The bill declares that the issuance of authorized bonds will not cause the state debt limit to be exceeded. The measure passed the Senate Ways and Means Committee with amendments on April 6, 2026.

Tennessee SB2366 allows foreign physician provisional license

Tennessee SB2366 allows foreign physician provisional license

Requires Tennessee Department of Health Annual Report

Tennessee General Assembly passed SB2414, requiring the Department of Health to submit annual reports by February 1 to chairs of the Senate Health and Welfare Committee and the House committee with jurisdiction over public health programs. The reports must detail benefits and grants received under federal acts providing for maternal and infant protection programs. The bill passed the Senate 33-0 and the House 79-14.

Agricultural UTV Highway Restriction Exemption

Tennessee enacted SB2596, amending TCA Section 55-8-185 to exempt utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) operated for agricultural purposes from highway speed limit restrictions. The bill, signed by Governor on April 1, 2026 and effective April 6, 2026, passed both chambers unanimously. Agricultural UTV operators may now use these vehicles on state highways and county roads regardless of speed limit.

Solid Waste Board Vacancy Notice Period Reduction

Tennessee Senate Bill 2547 amends TCA Titles 4, 5, 6, 7, and Title 68, Chapter 211 to reduce the vacancy notification period for the Underground Storage Tanks and Solid Waste Disposal Control Board from 90 to 45 days. The bill passed the Senate 24-0 and the House 78-0 before being signed into law by the Governor.

AG Notification to Victims via Email, Phone, Text

Tennessee SB2650 passed on April 6, 2026, requiring the Attorney General to notify victims of escrow accounts holding monies available to satisfy civil judgments via email, phone call, and text message. The bill amends multiple sections of Tennessee Code Annotated (Titles 29, 36, 37, 39, and 40) and passed with strong bipartisan support (Senate 31-0, House 89-3).

Higher Education Purchasing Act - Private Institution Procurement

The Tennessee General Assembly enacted the 'Higher Education Purchasing Act' (SB2670), amending Tennessee Code Annotated Title 12 and Title 49 to establish procurement requirements for private institutions of higher education. The bill passed the Senate 32-0 and the House 81-3. This legislation creates new obligations for private colleges and universities regarding procurement opportunities and purchasing practices.

Five-Day Window for Nonprofit Charitable Gaming Applications

Tennessee SB2723 creates a five-day submission window after the act's effective date for nonprofit organizations to file annual event applications with the Secretary of State for charitable gaming during fiscal year July 2026 through June 2027. The bill was signed by Governor Bill Lee on April 6, 2026, and passed both chambers unanimously (Senate 31-0, House 91-0). The act amends TCA Title 3, Chapter 17.

Nashville Corridor Transportation Projects Approval

The Tennessee General Assembly passed SJR0657, a Senate Joint Resolution signed by the Governor on April 2, 2026, approving three transportation corridor projects in Nashville and Davidson County. The resolution approves the Nolensville Pike, Gallatin Pike, and Downtown corridor projects under the voter-approved Choose How You Move transportation improvement program. Projects remain subject to oversight by the Tennessee Department of Transportation.

Senate Joint Resolution honoring Glenda Akin Guinness World Record for longest teacher career

The Tennessee Senate passed SJR1057, a joint resolution honoring and congratulating Glenda Akin for breaking the Guinness World Record for the longest career by a female teacher at the same school. This is a ceremonial resolution recognizing an individual achievement. No regulatory obligations, compliance requirements, or penalties are associated with this document.