July 1, 2019 marked a special day in Tennessee. Several new laws, covering everything from texting and driving to health to education to public restrooms, took effect.
Check out the list below to see how you might be affected:
1. School buses
Cameras are allowed inside school buses, which guardians or parents can request to view.
2. College
Districts must notify families about early college and career opportunities before registering for high school classes.
3. Bathroom bill
As part of the Tennessee Equality Project, this bill clarifies an already existing law banning discrimination and indecency in public restrooms, specifically against LGBTQ community members.
4. Feminine hygiene
All public high schools can now provide sanitary napkins and tampons in the women’s restrooms.
5. Women’s suffrage
Women’s suffrage is required to be taught in all grades, starting during the 2019-20 school year.
6. Human trafficking
All Tennessee teachers and incoming high school freshmen will be required to watch a video on human trafficking to increase awareness.
7. Civics 101
High school students must take and pass an exam similar to the civics test given to immigrants wishing to become U.S. citizens.
8. Vaping
Supported by the Tennessee Board of Regents, schools can now ban tobacco and vaping products from campus. Fines for being caught vaping underage are now doubled.
9. Heart health
At least 1 automated external defibrillator (AED) will be required in all 1,800 Tennessee schools.
10. Alzheimer’s advisory council
This law was created to study the impact of Alzheimer’s disease in the state of Tennessee.
11. Incarcerated individuals
Juveniles in prison are required to receive a minimum of 4 hours of education every day.
12. Online sports gambling
Nine members will make up the gaming commission and bets will only be accepted from a bettor who is physically located in the state of Tennessee.
13. Block grants
The state can ask the federal government for a certain number of dollars to create a new health care system.
14. Voter registration
This law penalizes registration forms submitted too late and or that are incomplete.
15. Joint custody
Parents with joint custody may choose which address to use if they’re placing their child in a zoned school.
16. Driver’s license
New minimum security standards will take effect in 2020 for issuance and production. Only certain IDs will be accepted to enter specific perimeters.