As the 2025 session of the 114th Tennessee General Assembly ends, I want to highlight how lawmakers came together to deliver results that strengthen our state. Despite challenges, we stayed focused on improving education, protecting natural resources, supporting law enforcement and growing the economy, passing bipartisan legislation that meets local and statewide needs.
Preserving farmland and honoring agricultural heritage
Tennesseans share a responsibility to protect the land that defines us. This year, I led efforts to create the Farmland Preservation Fund and co-sponsored the Tennessee Century Farms Act. These initiatives support conservation and rural vitality.
The Farmland Preservation Fund, will be administered by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, enabling nonprofit partners to work with landowners to place permanent conservation easements on working farmland and forestland. Landowners who participate keep full rights to farm, harvest timber and build agricultural structures.
The Century Farms Act recognizes farms in continuous family operation for at least 100 years. It directs the TDA to maintain a database, provide commemorative signs and educate the public about these farms’ contributions.
Together, these measures preserve land that feeds our communities and honors families who have cared for it across generations.
Improving transportation and emergency services
Tennessee’s population growth and more fuel-efficient vehicles are shrinking gas tax revenues that fund road repairs and construction. At the same time, infrastructure costs are rising.
To help find sustainable solutions, I passed a law directing the Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations to study long-term transportation funding. The study will examine options like road usage fees, rental car surcharges and reallocating vehicle-related sales tax revenue.
I also passed legislation to keep vehicle registration services available during emergencies. If a county clerk’s office must close, another can temporarily provide services. This helps maintain vital operations and public confidence during disruptions.
This session, the General Assembly allocated $1 billion to the Tennessee Department of Transportation to speed up road projects statewide as part of the $59.8 billion state budget.
Supporting firefighters and National Guard veterans
Lawmakers made strides in supporting public safety workers and veterans.
A law I co-sponsored expands the Barry Brady Act by adding prostate, breast and pancreatic cancer to the list of conditions presumed to result from firefighting. Firefighters must first pass a medical exam showing no signs of cancer. This expansion ensures those who serve on the front lines receive necessary care and support.
I also passed legislation extending state benefits to honorably discharged National Guard veterans. It allows members to use a DD 256 or NGB Form 22 to verify eligibility, ensuring Tennessee recognizes all who serve, regardless of branch.
Increasing safety and public awareness
Lawmakers approved $378 million in new public safety funding this session, including $38 million for 116 new Highway Patrol positions, $175 million for public safety grants and $6 million to add 22 positions at the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation as part of the state budget.
The legislature passed laws that toughen penalties for sex offenders, increase consequences for child abuse and create a domestic violence offender registry through Savanna’s Law.
I supported two new laws that improve safety and raise awareness. One helps commercial property owners remove people who are illegally occupying their property. It lets owners or agents quickly ask the sheriff to remove unlawful occupants, helping law enforcement protect property and prevent crime.
The other, the Ink of Hope Act, provides tattoo artists with up to one hour of free training on how to spot signs of human trafficking. The training, approved by the Tennessee Human Trafficking Advisory Council, teaches professionals how to report concerns and connect potential victims with resources.
Looking ahead
We made solid progress this year, but our work continues. As Tennessee grows, we must stay focused on long-term solutions that serve everyone, urban and rural, young and old.
In the coming months, I will keep meeting with constituents, listening to your concerns and preparing for next session’s priorities. Whether the issue is education, health care or public safety, I remain committed to representing your values in Nashville.
Thank you for your trust. Serving in the Tennessee General Assembly is an honor, and I look forward to building a stronger, safer and more prosperous Tennessee.