16 New Tennessee Laws For 2018

NASHVILLE, TN -- The New Year means new laws in Tennessee and 16 will come into effect Jan. 1, 2018.

Some, of course, are highly-specific technical changes that most Tennesseans will likely never notice or even understand - 2018 brings in a new safety code for electrical supply stations, for example.

But if your commute takes you through a school zone and you're in the habit of talking on your phone as you pass through, one new law will fine you for your transgression.

Here's a handful of new laws Tennesseans may actually notice:

• Cell phones in school zones: A fine of up to $50 can be levied against anyone talking on a handheld cellphone while in a school zone while the warning lights are flashing. Texting while driving is already banned in all situations in Tennessee, but otherwise, cellphone use was heretofore generally permissible.
• Handgun permits: Any person who can prove they passed small-arms or combat-pistol training while serving in the United States Armed Forces is now exempted from the firing-range portion of the training required to get a handgun carry permit.
• Barbers: Barbers may now make house calls for anyone. Previously, this was only allowed if the customer was ill. Barbers who want to perform this service will have to acquire an additional residential barber certificate.
• School transportation: This bill establishes a school transportation supervisor program to oversee transportation services for school districts and charter schools. The bill requires new school bus drivers to complete a training program and requires a bus driver to be at least 25 years old before they can get an initial bus driver license.
• Campus free-speech: The final version of what was initially known as the "Milo Bill," the bill "recognizes students’ right to free speech and directs institutions of higher education to give students the freedom to speak, write, listen, challenge, learn and discuss any issue, as long as they don’t violate the First Amendment." The bill also directs institutions not to deny student activity fees to student organizations based on the viewpoints of the organization. An institution cannot bar guest speakers invited to campus by students or faculty just because the speaker’s speech might be considered offensive or otherwise disagreeable.
• Disabled persons: Allows a person with disability or the caregiver of a person with a disability the ability to hire a paid personal aide to perform health maintenance tasks, defined as "tasks that a person without a functional disability or a caregiver would normally do for themselves."
• Marijuana jurisdiction: The Alcoholic Beverage Commission will no longer have any jurisdiction over enforcement of criminal offenses involving marijuana, which for some reason, the Alcoholic Beverage Commission had.
• Headlights: With the exception of emergency vehicles, school buses, mail carriers and law enforcement, cars with steady-burning headlights must have white or amber lights.
• Prescription drugs: The Board of Pharmacy is authorized to create a voluntary prescription drug donation program, allowing people to donate prescription drugs and supplies. The drugs must be in their original sealed, tamper-evident packaging and must be inspected before they are dispensed by a licensed pharmacist.

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