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2026 ENDORSEMENTS

EXPANDING EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

SB 2206 (Johnson) / HB2178 (Lamberth)—Federal Tax Credit Scholarship Act

This bill the Federal Tax Credit Scholarship Act, which would codify Tennessee’s participation in the Federal Tax Credit Scholarship program created by the One Big Beautiful Bill.

Read it here: SB 2206 (Johnson) / HB2178 (Lamberth)

SB 2109 (Stevens) / HB1888 (White)—Changes to Educator Licensure

Waives certain educator licensure requirements for experienced teachers without a bachelor’s degree if they have teaching experience from a church-related or approved private school.   

Read it here: SB 2109 (Stevens) / HB1888 (White)

SB 2318 (Hensley) / HB2000 (Cepicky)—Religious Charter Schools

Allows private postsecondary institutions, including religious ones, to operate public charter schools.

Read it here: SB 2318 (Hensley) / HB2000 (Cepicky) 

SB 2072 (Watson) / HB2121 (Williams)—Better Spending, Better Schools Act of 2026

Creates the Better Spending, Better Schools Act of 2026, requiring local school districts and public charter schools to publicly report detailed annual expenditure data.

Read it here: SB 2072 (Watson) / HB2121 (Williams)

HOUSING AFFORDABILITY

SB 2131 (Haile) / HB2031 (Faison)—Accessory Dwelling Units

Establishes statewide rules allowing accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in residential areas.

Read it here: SB 2131 (Haile) / HB2031 (Faison) 

HEALTHCARE

SB 1369 (Watson) / HB 819 (Garrett)—Certificate of Need Reform

Removes certificate-of-need (CON) laws for certain satellite emergency departments, cardiac catheterization labs, and satellite inpatient facilities. 

Read it here: SB 1369 (Watson) / HB 819 (Garrett)

ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY

HB2530 (Lamberth) / SB2224 (Johnson)—Regulations and Licensing
Creates regulatory and licensing overhaul for professions like architects, engineers, and contractors, and will result in faster licensing decisions and more efficient, less burdensome governance of these important professions. 
 
SB 397 (Rose) / HB189 (Gant)—Professional Privilege Tax Repeal

This bill repeals the professional privilege tax.

Read it here: SB 397 (Rose) / HB189 (Gant)

SB 2224 (Johnson) / HB2530 (Lamberth)—Occupational Licensing Reform

Eliminates registration requirements for interior designers, consolidates oversight of land surveyors under the architects and engineers board, and modernizes funding and administration for contractors and related regulated professions. 

Read it here: SB 2224 (Johnson) / HB2530 (Lamberth)

SB 2306 (Pody) / HB 2468 (Lynn)—Licensing for Makeup Application Service Providers

Exempts individuals who only provide makeup application services from cosmetology or aesthetician licensing if certified.

Read it here: SB 2306 (Pody) / HB 2468 (Lynn)

SB 2509 (Oliver) / HB 2413 (Love)—Tennessee Child Care Red Tape Reduction Act

Creates a community workforce housing innovation pilot program allowing the Tennessee Housing Development Agency to provide loans for private developers to build or rehabilitate workforce housing across Tennessee. 

Read it here: SB 2509 (Oliver) / HB 2413 (Love)