The Tennessee Legislative Session concluded on Tuesday, April 22nd, marking the end of extensive deliberations that spanned several months. Among the significant outcomes of this session were new restrictions on diversity initiatives in college admissions, measures to protect transgender students from being misgendered, and regulations limiting the sale of THC-A. Additionally, lawmakers engaged in discussions regarding the prohibition of the synthetic food dye, Red 40, in school nutrition programs, and they successfully passed a balanced budget amounting to $59.8 billion for the fiscal year 2025-2026.
Earlier in the year, when legislators convened in Nashville, Republican Governor Bill Lee initiated a special session aimed at addressing universal school choice proposals, advancing former President Donald Trump’s immigration policies, and securing funding for Hurricane Helene recovery efforts. The proposals discussed during this special session were all approved, after which the regular legislative session resumed. During this time, legislators introduced and debated a wide array of bills, moving them through various committees before bringing them to a full vote.
One notable proposal that emerged from the Republican majority in the legislature sought to allow schools to deny admission to students based on their immigration status. This contentious measure ultimately passed in the Tennessee Senate following a deeply emotional vote. Furthermore, the legislature enacted a bill that offers legal protection to teachers who misgender transgender students, staff, or any individuals within their school districts. This legislation creates a scenario where schools could face lawsuits if they choose to respect students’ preferred names or pronouns, thereby compelling educators to misgender transgender individuals.
The passage of a balanced budget for the upcoming fiscal year underscores the General Assembly’s commitment to responsible financial management. This budget, totaling $59.8 billion, fulfills their constitutional responsibilities while prioritizing the needs of Tennessee residents and acknowledging a projected growth rate of 2 percent. The budget also supports various state initiatives aimed at enhancing public safety, investing in infrastructure, promoting education, improving rural healthcare, and increasing disaster relief funding for Hurricane Helene recovery efforts.
In a final significant move, the General Assembly approved legislation that bans the use of Red 40, a synthetic food dye, in Tennessee’s school nutrition programs. Specifically, House Bill 134 prohibits the sale or distribution of food and beverage items containing Allura Red 40, ensuring that such products are not provided to students in any public or charter school nutrition programs.
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