Therapist Terminology Updates - Marital to Marriage

The Tennessee General Assembly enacted SB2585, amending Tennessee Code Annotated Titles 4, 8, 33, 36, 52, 56, 63, and 68 to change references from 'marital and family therapists' to 'marriage and family therapists' throughout state law. The bill was signed by Governor on April 2, 2026, with Senate Speaker signature on April 6, 2026. The legislation passed with strong bipartisan support (Senate 32-0, House 94-1).

Reduces Wildlife Injury Reporting to 24 Hours

Tennessee SB2354 amends Tennessee Code Annotated Titles 39, 44, and 70 to reduce the mandatory reporting window for captive wildlife injuries requiring medical attention from 48 hours to 24 hours. The bill was passed by the Tennessee Senate on March 23, 2026, and by the House on April 6, 2026. Entities possessing captive wildlife must report injuries to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency within the new compressed timeframe.

HB925 CLEAR Act signed, creates peer committee review

HB925 CLEAR Act signed, creates peer committee review

Money Transmitters Data Security Requirements

Mississippi Governor signed HB1596 into law on April 2, 2026, requiring money transmitters licensed under the Money Transmission Modernization Act to implement comprehensive data security measures and customer protections. The bill requires licensees to establish information security programs with designated qualified individuals, conduct risk assessments, notify the Commissioner of Banking and Consumer Finance of data breaches involving unencrypted customer information, train authorized delegates on elder financial exploitation, and provide disclosures for money transmission and kiosk transactions. Virtual currency kiosks are now also regulated under the Act.

Fetal and Infant Mortality Review Panel Creation

Mississippi HB1637 creates the Fetal and Infant Mortality Review Panel under the State Department of Health to review fetal deaths and infant deaths up to one year of age. The multidisciplinary panel will develop strategies to prevent infant mortality, receive data from medical examiners, coroners, healthcare providers, and law enforcement agencies, and submit annual reports with recommendations to the legislature. The panel has authority to initiate enforcement actions against agencies that fail to provide required information.

Driver's License Non-Citizen Provisions

Mississippi Governor signed SB2322 amending Section 63-1-35 of the Mississippi Code to restrict driver's license issuance to non-citizens and those without social security numbers to lawfully present individuals only. The law requires such licenses to bear a non-citizen designation and expire when lawful presence ends, while also invalidating similar licenses from other states and requiring officer referrals to ICE for violations.

Mississippi HB1772 extends human services repealers

Mississippi Governor signed HB1772 into law, extending repealer dates on statutes governing the Mississippi Department of Human Services. The bill amends Sections 43-1-1, 43-1-2, 43-1-3, 43-1-5, and 43-27-20 of the Mississippi Code of 1972 to delay sunset provisions. The bill passed with strong bipartisan support in both chambers during the 2026 Regular Session.

Wine Festival Permit Extension

Mississippi HB1761 was signed into law on April 6, 2026, extending wine festival permits and authorizing native wine retailers to operate permanent tasting rooms. The bill removes expiration dates on festival permit authority and allows distillers and manufacturers to hold financial interests in festival permits.

Charter School Property Rights - Right of First Refusal Limitations

Mississippi HB1395 was signed into law on April 6, 2026, amending Sections 37-28-61, 37-7-455, and 37-7-477 of the Mississippi Code to modify charter school rights regarding unused public school property. The bill limits the charter school right of first refusal to purchase or lease such property to 12 months, and establishes a 6-month prohibition on school districts entering agreements with non-charter entities unless charter schools waive their rights.

Mississippi Alcoholic Beverage Control - Qualified Resort Area Definition

Mississippi HB1330 was signed into law on April 6, 2026, amending the Local Option Alcoholic Beverage Control Law to revise the definition of "qualified resort area" under Section 67-1-5 of the Mississippi Code. The bill also authorizes governing authorities for qualified resort areas to adopt ordinances allowing package retailer's permits for alcoholic beverages. The legislation passed the House 113-2 and the Senate 47-3 after conference committee adoption.