Hensley Highlights Key Measures in 114th General Assembly Session

State Sen. Joey Hensley has announced several legislative measures filed and advanced during the 2026 session of the Tennessee General Assembly.

Senate Bill 2335 was filed to strengthen protections for religious assemblies in Tennessee. The legislation would designate the disruption of a religious service as aggravated criminal trespass, a Class A misdemeanor. The bill follows a January incident in which protesters disrupted a worship service at Cities Church in Saint Paul, Minnesota. According to an affidavit filed by an agent with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, protesters allegedly screamed chants, yelled at congregants and blocked access to a childcare area. The measure is intended to ensure Tennesseans can practice their faith without fear of intimidation or harassment.

In committee action this week, the Senate State and Local Government Committee passed Senate Bill 599, sponsored by Hensley, which would transfer ownership of the James K. Polk Home in Columbia from the James K. Polk Association to the Tennessee Historical Commission. The historic site, which honors the 11th U.S. president, has operated as a museum for nearly a century. The bill now heads to the Senate floor for final consideration.

Lawmakers also passed Senate Bill 16, allowing middle and high school student-athletes one transfer without loss of athletic eligibility, provided the transfer occurs before the start of the school year. Previously, the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association could restrict eligibility based solely on a transfer. Under the new law, students may transfer once without penalty, while additional transfers remain subject to existing eligibility rules.

Hensley said the measure balances fairness and stability while expanding opportunities for student-athletes across Tennessee.