State passes new laws for education and health

NASHVILLE, TN. (WLAF)- As of July 1, a number of new laws went into effect in Tennessee. WLAF will be highlighting some of those bills. Today, is education and health.

SCHOOLS

HB0047

Amends TCA Title 49. As enacted, authorizes local boards of education and public charter school governing bodies to allow schools in the LEA or the public charter school, as applicable,

to display the Ten Commandments, the first sentence of the second paragraph of the preamble to the Declaration of Independence, and the preamble to the United States Constitution in a prominent location in a school building

SB0016

As enacted, generally provide that a middle school student or high school student who transfers from one member school to another is immediately eligible to participate in interscholastic athletics at the member school to which the student transfers if certain criteria is met.

SB1741

Amends TCA Title 49. As enacted, enacts the “Charlie Kirk Act.” Allows public school teachers and faculty at public colleges and universities to discuss the role Christianity played in shaping American history.

SB1774

As enacted, creates a criminal offense for certain school employees who intentionally engage in bullying or cyberbullying of a student; clarifies that a teacher or school employee of a local education agency who is found to have committed an act of harassment, intimidation, bullying, or cyberbullying is subject to dismissal or suspension.

HEALTH

HB0169

Amends TCA Title 56 and Title 71. As enacted, expands the definition of a health benefit plan; requires a health benefit plan that amends, renews, or delivers a policy of coverage on or after January 1, 2026, and that provides coverage for prescription contraceptives, to provide coverage for a 12- month refill of contraceptives obtained at one time by an insured person.

SB1681

As introduced, prohibits hospital emergency departments from denying an appropriate medical screening examination to a pregnant woman who presents at the emergency department reporting to be in active labor or experiencing an emergency medical condition; prohibits transferring the pregnant woman unless her condition has been stabilized; requires that a transfer be under certain conditions and only upon the recommendation of an examining physician or qualified medical professional; imposes penalties and licensing sanctions for violations

CLICK HERE for a full list of all of the laws.

(WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED 7/6/2026-6AM)