Senator Joey Hensley Highlights Legislation Protecting Privacy and Supporting Agriculture

State Senator Joey Hensley is highlighting legislation approved during the 2026 session of the Tennessee General Assembly involving individual privacy, agriculture and natural resources.
Hensley says lawmakers approved legislation protecting the right of individuals to decline providing biometric data for professional licensing by requiring alternative methods of identity verification.
Other legislation approved during the session strengthens confidentiality protections for complaints and records associated with human rights investigations and protects certain medical and reimbursement information from disclosure through public records requests.
Lawmakers also approved legislation prohibiting artificial intelligence systems from falsely claiming to be licensed mental health professionals.
In agriculture, energy and natural resources, Hensley highlighted legislation designed to strengthen Tennessee’s recycling marketplace by improving connections between suppliers of recyclable materials and end users without creating new taxes or regulatory requirements.
Lawmakers also established the Tennessee Agricultural Innovation and Education Initiative to expand agricultural education, workforce development and career opportunities.
Another measure increased the coverage limit for certain property risks from $100,000 to $250,000 to provide additional insurance coverage for homeowners and farm owners.
Other legislation makes it easier for historic sites to lease land directly to local farmers and creates a statewide branding initiative to promote Tennessee-raised beef.
Hensley said the measures are among those approved during the 2026 legislative session aimed at making Tennessee a better place to live, work and raise a family.