TENNESSEE - As Tennessee rings in 2026, a series of impactful new laws are set to take effect, ranging from public safety and digital privacy to healthcare access. These changes, passed during the most recent legislative sessions, will significantly alter how residents interact with social media, manage their health, and navigate the State legal landscape.
Here are five of the most significant laws taking effect in the Volunteer State on January 1, 2026.
1. Savannah's Law (Domestic Violence Registry)
Named in honor of Robertson County Sheriff's Deputy Savannah Puckett, who was tragically murdered in 2022, this law aims to increase public transparency regarding domestic safety.
- The Registry: The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) is now required to maintain a publicly accessible registry of persistent domestic violence offenders.
- Who is Included: The list will feature individuals convicted more than once of domestic violence offenses.
- The Purpose: Lawmakers hope this tool will empower citizens to make more informed decisions about their safety and the people they allow into their lives, similar to the existing sex offender registry.
2. Social Media Parental Consent Mandate
Tennessee is joining a growing list of states taking a hard line on online safety for minors. Starting January 1, social media companies face strict new requirements regarding their youngest users.
- Parental Permission: Platforms are now prohibited from allowing minors under 18 to create or maintain an account without the explicit consent of a parent or guardian.
- Age Verification: The law also strengthens age-verification requirements for adult-oriented websites to ensure that minors do not access age-inappropriate content.
- Enforcement: Companies that fail to implement these safeguards may face significant state penalties for non-compliance.
3. The Implied Consent "Loophole" Closure
Tennessee's DUI laws are getting tougher this year with a significant update to how blood draws and test refusals are handled.
- Warrant Change: Previously, a legal "loophole" often prevented the state from charging a driver with an implied consent violation (refusing a chemical test) if their blood was eventually taken via a search warrant. Starting January 1, that shield is gone; you can be charged with refusal even if your blood is taken by force under a warrant.
- Steeper Penalties: The mandatory license revocation for a first-time implied consent violation has increased from one year to 18 months.
- Ignition Interlock: While restricted licenses remain available, the more extended revocation period is intended to serve as a stronger deterrent to impaired driving.
4. Hemp-Derived Cannabinoid Overhaul
The legal landscape for hemp products in Tennessee is shifting dramatically as the state moves to close gaps in previous legislation.
- THC Restrictions: The new law bans the sale of hemp-derived products with a concentration of 0.3% or higher of total THC (including THCa). This effectively removes many high-potency "hemp" products that were previously found in shops across the state.
- Age and Licensing: All purchasers must be at least 21 years old, and retailers must be licensed through the Alcoholic Beverage Commission (ABC) rather than the Department of Agriculture.
- Legacy Exception: Businesses that held valid licenses before the end of 2025 may be allowed to operate under the old framework until their current license expires, though new applicants must follow the strict 2026 rules immediately.
5. One-Year Birth Control Supply Mandate
A new healthcare law aims to improve medication adherence and convenience for thousands of Tennessee residents.
- Bulk Access: If a patient's health insurance plan covers birth control, the provider is now required to cover a one-year supply of the medication dispensed at a single time.
- The Goal: By eliminating the need for monthly or quarterly pharmacy visits, lawmakers hope to reduce "gaps" in coverage caused by pharmacy delays or busy schedules.
- Qualification: This applies to most state-regulated insurance plans, making it easier for patients to manage their reproductive health without constant refills.
Honorable Mention: Invalidating Out-of-State "Illegal Alien" Licenses
Starting January 1, any driver's license issued by another state exclusively to individuals who are in the country illegally will be considered invalid for use in Tennessee. Law enforcement will treat drivers presenting these specific licenses as if they are driving without a valid license.