‘New laws take effect today; will make a real difference in Tennesseans’ daily lives- Dennis Powers

By State Representative Dennis Powers

NASHVILLE, TN (SPECIAL TO WLAF)- As the first session of the 114th General Assembly ends, I am proud to reflect on the meaningful progress we made on behalf of Tennesseans. This year’s legislative session prioritized education, rural health care, transportation infrastructure needs and community safety. Our focus remained on ensuring every community, from large cities to small towns, can thrive.

I am honored to represent the people of Campbell, Union and Claiborne counties. That trust comes with a duty to listen, advocate and lead with integrity. The bills we passed this year reflect the values and concerns of the citizens I represent.

Lawmakers introduced 1,440 bills this session. Of those, 531 were signed into law. Many of these new laws will take effect on July 1 and make a real difference in the daily lives of Tennesseans.

One of the bills I sponsored ensures students enrolled in virtual schools have access to the same extracurricular activities, including athletics, as their peers in traditional schools. These students may learn in non-traditional ways but they still deserve opportunities to build friendships, develop skills and participate in school life. 

Protecting children remains one of our most important responsibilities. This year, I co-sponsored legislation that increases penalties for those who abuse children ages 9 to 17. Previously classified as a misdemeanor, this offense is now a Class E felony. The change raises the maximum jail time from 11 months to a range of one to six years. It sends a strong message that we will not tolerate harm to Tennessee’s youth.

We also took significant steps to improve public safety by expanding the list of “dangerous felonies” to include 15 additional crimes, including voluntary manslaughter, aggravated kidnapping, carjacking and both first- and second-degree murder. These changes help ensure violent offenders face appropriate consequences and our communities remain safe.

Another new law we passed addresses the growing concern of human smuggling. It is now a criminal offense to knowingly transport, harbor or conceal individuals who are in the country illegally. This law targets human traffickers who exploit vulnerable individuals and endanger the security and wellbeing of our communities. It provides law enforcement with more tools to hold these criminals accountable.

One issue especially close to my heart this year was raising awareness about Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, or CMT. I led the passage of House Joint Resolution 120, which urges the Tennessee Department of Health to develop a voluntary reporting system for the disease. The disease is a hereditary neurological disorder that affects thousands of Tennesseans, including myself. The condition often goes undiagnosed and a voluntary registry will help medical professionals gather better data, improve care and support those living with the disease.

Along with new laws, the General Assembly passed a balanced $59.8 billion budget that reflects conservative financial stewardship and focuses on Tennessee’s top priorities. It includes funding for community services, disaster relief for Hurricane Helene victims, security upgrades, transportation projects and more than $640 million for K–12 education. We also targeted rural areas with key resources to expand health care access, strengthen schools and support local economies, ensuring every part of our state shares in its continued growth.

Building on Tennessee’s economic momentum, we strengthened the state’s position as a national leader in development and job creation. With low taxes, a strong workforce and a commitment to business-friendly policies, Tennessee continues to attract employers and families. The budget invests in workforce development programs that prepare Tennesseans for the jobs of the future. It includes $6.3 million for a statewide Micro-Credentialing Program to offer short-term certifications in high-demand skills and $5 million for TN Accelerates, a new initiative that delivers customized workforce training for both new and existing businesses.

As Tennessee continues to rank among the fastest-growing states in the nation, I am committed to working with my colleagues to meet the challenges that come with this growth. Our policies must adapt to keep pace with the evolving needs of our state and its communities.

I will continue to advocate for common-sense policies that support families, protect freedoms and promote opportunity for all. Whether it’s standing up for parental rights, protecting our borders or improving health care access, I will work hard every day to ensure that Tennessee remains a place where people want to live, work and raise a family.

Thank you for the continued trust and support. It is a privilege to serve the people of Campbell, Union and Claiborne counties. May God bless you, the United States of America and the great state of Tennessee. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-07/01/2025-6AM)

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