Several New Tennessee Laws Take Effect July 1

A number of new Tennessee laws will take effect Wednesday, July 1, affecting education, immigration, public safety, and criminal justice.

Among the most significant changes is the expansion of the state’s Education Freedom Scholarship program, which provides funding to help eligible families pay for private school tuition.

Another new law allows state and local officials greater authority in selecting members of airport authority boards.

A separate measure expands the circumstances under which a person may use deadly force to protect property if they believe it is immediately necessary to prevent certain crimes.

New penalties also take effect for individuals who are in the country unlawfully and operate commercial vehicles in Tennessee. The law makes the offense a Class A misdemeanor and also penalizes those who knowingly allow it.

Lawmakers also approved stronger penalties for intentionally tampering with food, beverages, or medications to cause intoxication, injury, or death. Depending on the circumstances, violations may be prosecuted as either a Class D or Class B felony.

Another new law requires Tennessee sheriff’s offices to participate in the federal 287(g) program by entering into agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Tennessee’s ban on kratom will also take effect July 1. The legislation is named in memory of Matthew Davenport, who died after taking the substance along with prescribed medications.

Also taking effect is the Riley Gaines Women’s Safety and Protection Act, which defines terms such as “sex,” “male,” and “female” in state law and establishes restrictions on the use of certain men’s and women’s facilities.

In addition, Tennessee is creating the new criminal offense of coercive suicide, targeting individuals who manipulate or coerce another person into taking their own life.

All of the measures were approved by the Tennessee General Assembly and signed into law by Governor Bill Lee.