The Tennessee General Assembly adjourned the 2026 legislative session this week, concluding Governor Bill Lee’s final session.
“Over eight legislative sessions, we’ve passed strategic measures to invest in education, strengthen our workforce, improve infrastructure, and secure our state’s position as a leader in next-generation nuclear energy,” Lee said.
“We’ve accomplished much together, and I’m deeply grateful to the members of the General Assembly who have worked alongside us to deliver real results for people across our state,” the governor added.
Photo “Bill Lee” by Bill Lee.
In Lee’s final legislative session, the state Legislature, controlled by Republicans, passed a variety of bills related to illegal immigration, public safety, education, and healthcare, as well as a zero-debt, $58.3 billion balanced budget.
Regarding illegal immigration, the Tennessee General Assembly passed House Bill (HB) 1704, which creates a state-level criminal penalty for individuals who fail to leave Tennessee after receiving a federal final order of removal.
To help American workers, the Legislature passed bills requiring employers to use E-Verify, banning illegals from receiving professional licenses, and requiring driver’s license exams to be administered in English.
In public safety, the Legislature passed the Memphis Safe Task Force Accountability Act, which requires district attorneys to report on plea deals, reduced charges, or cases not prosecuted stemming from Operation Viper or the Memphis Safe Task Force.
Another bill passed by the Legislature prevents people who have been charged with crimes involving a firearm that resulted in death or bodily injury from receiving bail.
To help expand school choice in Tennessee, the Legislature passed HB 2532, which increased the number of Education Freedom Scholarships to 35,000.
Furthermore, the Legislature passed a bill that authorized the state takeover of Memphis-Shelby County Schools after years of poor academic performance and administrative issues.
The Tennessee General Assembly also passed a bill that allows for the historical significance of Biblical values in America to be taught in public schools.
Tennesseans will now have faster access to new FDA-approved medications after the Legislature passed Senate Bill 2556. Healthcare providers in Tennessee will not be penalized for treating patients who don’t take vaccinations. Additionally, lawmakers also passed a bill that provides $230 million to TennCare to help cover rising healthcare costs.
Photo “State Lawmakers” by Bill Lee.
Reflecting on the 114th legislative session, Lt. Governor Randy McNally (R-Oak Ridge), who is retiring this year, called it “highly productive.”
“The work we’ve done will help ensure safer communities, stronger schools, and a more resilient future for our state. By staying disciplined in our budgeting and focused on conservative principles, we’ve kept Tennessee on a path of stability, growth, and opportunity,” he said.
House Speaker Cameron Sexton (R-Crossville) called this year’s session “one of the most consequential in Tennessee history.”
“I’m proud of the General Assembly’s work to help all Tennesseans, address affordability and keep our state safe, strong, and a national leader in conservative policy,” he said.
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Zachery Schmidt is the digital editor of The Star News Network. Email tips to Zachery at zschmidt1717@gmail.com.
Photo “Bill Lee” by Bill Lee.
