Republicans crack down on blue state issuance of CDLs
Tennessee Republicans this week continued to put the safety and best interests of lawful residents first by advancing legislation to keep roads across the Volunteer State safe.
House Bill 1706, sponsored by Deputy Speaker Jason Zachary, R-Knoxville, establishes a Class A misdemeanor for an illegal alien to operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) in Tennessee. It would also create a Class A misdemeanor offense for someone to knowingly allow a person unlawfully in the United States to operate a CMV.
"This legislation is about protecting Tennesseans," Zachary told the Transportation Committee on Tuesday, pointing to a recent report of an illegal immigrant with a CDL causing a deadly crash in Indiana and citing another incident in Missouri in which an illegal immigrant was filmed driving the wrong direction. "[Republicans] are going to stand with the people of this state. We're going to stand and ensure that the safety and well-being of Tennesseans is our top priority."
The proposal requires law enforcement agencies to notify federal immigration authorities after arresting a person accused of violating this measure through the 287(g) program or Tennessee's Centralized Immigration Enforcement Division.
Direct employers who knowingly allow illegal aliens to operate a CMV and state officials or employees of any state who issue a commercial driver's license to an illegal alien could be held liable to a person who suffers personal injury or property damage as a result, according to House Bill 1706.
Commercial motor vehicles in Tennessee include any vehicle or combination of vehicles used to transport people or property with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating of at least 26,001 pounds, with certain exceptions. Most vehicles designed to transport 16 or more passengers or that are used to transport hazardous materials are also considered CMVs.
House Bill 1706 is part of Tennessee Republicans' Immigration 2026 legislative package, which is designed to close enforcement gaps, protect Tennessee taxpayers and require active enforcement of immigration laws across the state. The proposal is scheduled to be heard in the Finance, Ways and Means Subcommittee on March 11.
Republican leaders target financiers of activism-for-hire
House Majority Whip Clark Boyd, R-Lebanon, has introduced legislation to hold individuals and organizations accountable for damages, disruptions to critical infrastructure, or other unlawful conduct carried out by demonstrators they compensate.
House Bill 2109 would create a new legal pathway for victims to sue under vicarious liability when someone pays people to join demonstrations, often called "activism-for-hire" or "mercenary rioting."
"This legislation ensures the constitutional rights of Tennesseans to peacefully assemble and express their views are protected while ensuring accountability for those who finance chaos and disruption," Boyd said. "Whether it's blocking highways, damaging property, harassing others, the goal is to deter the practice of paid disruption that endangers public safety or harms innocent people."
Any organization or person who provides compensation, such as payments or other valuable considerations, to a demonstrator in exchange for their participation could be held liable for damages if the demonstrator's actions meet the elements of specific criminal offenses, according to the proposal.
The practice of activism-for-hire involves paying individuals to participate in rallies, protests and public demonstrations with the goal of creating the appearance of strong support and influencing public opinion. Covered offenses would include rioting, aggravated rioting, disorderly conduct, obstructing a highway, civil rights intimidation, harassment, and disorderly conduct at funerals.
To establish liability, plaintiffs must prove that compensation was provided for participation and that the demonstrator's conduct resulted in ascertainable losses. A criminal conviction is not required. House Bill 2109 is expected to be heard in the Judiciary Committee on March 11.
General Assembly confirms three judicial appointments
Members of the House of Representatives and Senate met in a joint session on Thursday to confirm three of Gov. Bill Lee's judicial appointments.
Kyle Hixson, a University of Tennessee College of Law graduate, was appointed to the Tennessee Supreme Court to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Justice Holly Kirby. Hixson most recently served as a judge on the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals.
Steve Maroney was confirmed to serve on the Western Section of the Tennessee Court of Appeals. A graduate of the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law, Maroney most recently served as chancellor for the 26th Judicial District.
Hawkins County Circuit Judge William E. Phillips will fill the vacancy on the Tennessee Court of Appeals, Eastern Section. Phillips earned his Juris Doctor at the Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law at the University of Memphis.
Bill strengthens American history education in higher ed
A proposal by State Rep. Ron Gant, R-Piperton, would help ensure college students graduating from Tennessee public institutions have a basic knowledge of American history.
House Bill 291 would require the Institute of American Civics (IAC) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, to develop curricula for a course providing a comprehensive overview of major events and turning points in our nation's history and government. This 3-credit course would be required for students pursuing a bachelor's degree in any public college or university in Tennessee, with certain exceptions.
"Understanding the constitution is not ideological. Understanding the declaration is not partisan. Understanding Dr. King's letter is not political. It is historical and moral education," said Gant. "This bill reinforces the idea that civic literacy is a core responsibility of public education."
At a minimum, the course must include an understanding of the U.S. Constitution, Declaration of Independence, at least five essays from the Federalist Papers, Emancipation Proclamation, Gettysburg Address, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s letter from Birmingham jail, and at least one additional document foundational to civil rights history.
House Bill 291 would not add any credit hours to degree requirements and would not create additional cost burdens for students. While current Tennessee law requires all public college students to earn a credit in American history, this proposal outlines specific course requirements.
If passed by the General Assembly, the course would be implemented beginning in the 2026-27 academic year. House Bill 291 is expected to be heard in the Education Committee on March 10.
House passes Tennessee Procurement Protection Act
The Tennessee House of Representatives this week passed legislation to protect public funds from being used to purchase certain products from adversaries of the United States.
The Tennessee Procurement Protection Act, sponsored by Assistant House Majority Leader Mark Cochran, R-Englewood, prohibits state agencies or political subdivisions from procuring final technology products from a foreign adversarial country, as defined by the U.S. Department of Commerce. These include China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea and Russia.
"This would be for new and reprocured contracts, so it doesn't affect any current contract, just moving forward," Cochran told the State and Local Government Committee last year.
The legislation requires the Department of General Services' chief procurement officer (CPO) to certify that no contract is awarded to companies primarily located in or controlled by an adversarial government, with limited exceptions. It also includes companies that are majority-owned by an entity controlled by an adversary.
Technology and software would include communication and networking devices, personal computing devices, industrial and critical infrastructure devices, financial and payment systems, automotive and transportation systems, or any other device or software deemed high-risk by the CPO.
The companion version of House Bill 548 is still advancing through the Senate. If approved, it would take effect July 1.
Republican bill protects small businesses from big tech
House Republican Caucus Chairman Jeremy Faison, R-Cosby, this week advanced legislation to protect small businesses in Tennessee from unfair online blacklisting.
The practice of online blacklisting includes reducing visibility or accessibility of a small business's website, removing it from search results, or deleting more than 25% of reviews. House Bill 2028 will require search engines to provide 24-hour notice before blacklisting. A clear explanation of any rules or policies violated, steps for appeal, and direct contact information for a company representative must be included.
“Small businesses drive Tennessee’s economy and depend on platforms like Google to reach customers. Sudden, unexplained delistings can destroy revenue overnight, devastate families, and force closures,” said Faison. “My bill requires big tech companies to provide fair notice and clear reasons for removal, offering owners a real chance to correct issues and keep their doors open.”
The proposal doesn't ban deplatforming or valid moderation, but requires an explanation and provides small businesses with an avenue for resolution.
Small businesses rely on online advertising and an internet presence to reach customers. Fake complaints and mass spam reports can cause sudden blacklisting, negatively impacting small businesses in communities across Tennessee. House Bill 2028 is scheduled to be heard in the Commerce Committee on March 11.
Proposal aims to curb feeding of black bears
A Republican effort to increase public safety and hold people who feed black bears accountable advanced out of the Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee this week.
House Bill 2215, sponsored by State Rep. Fred Atchley, R-Sevierville, would give the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) the ability to partner with local law enforcement agencies to help enforce state wildlife laws, rules and proclamations.
“(This bill) requires such agreements to be limited in scope to assisting with matters of public safety specific to human wildlife interaction that could cause a public safety concern,” Atchley told committee members.
Videos of people feeding black bears in downtown Gatlinburg have circulated on social media, raising concerns among law enforcement and community members. Local agencies would be required to report regularly to the agency on any enforcement actions taken under these agreements, including details of citations and outcomes.
The bill also makes it illegal to feed black bears in areas where the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission has specifically prohibited feeding wildlife. Anyone who knowingly feeds a black bear could be subject to a Class B misdemeanor offense with a minimum $250 fine.
Those who unknowingly feed a bear, including by leaving food out or garbage open, could receive a written warning for a first offense or the same minimum $250 fine for repeat offenses.
House Bill 2215 is expected to be heard in the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee on March 10.
Bill codifies bus service for Tennessee students
Legislation to ensure school districts provide bus services to students advanced out of the Education Committee this week.
House Bill 1818, sponsored by State Rep. Lowell Russell, R-Vonore, requires all school districts that offer transportation to provide bus service to students attending their zoned school, unless a bus cannot reasonably reach the child due to road conditions or if the home is in a remote area.
"If a district provides transportation, then students attending their zoned school should have access to it," Russell said. “Parents deserve consistency and they deserve to know their child will have a reliable way to get to school."
If a bus can't reach a student's home, this proposal also requires school districts to notify parents that they may qualify for mileage reimbursement for taking their child to school.
This legislation does not change Tennessee's existing transportation reimbursement guidelines for students who live within 1.5 miles of their zoned school.
House Bill 1818 is expected to be heard in the Finance, Ways and Means Subcommittee on March 11.
Teacher Residency Pilot Program supports career development
Legislation by Education Committee Chairman Mark White, R-Memphis, to support student success and teacher career development advanced out of the Education Administration Subcommittee this week.
The Tennessee Teacher Residency Pilot Program Act will create a three-year pilot program formalizing a state partnership with teacher residency programs, which includes teacher preparation training through a residency model in schools, colleges or universities, or educator preparation providers (EPP).
"These types of programs have been operating in the state for more than 15 years, and their innovative approach to teacher preparation has proven effective time and again," White said. "Borrowing from the medical residency model that combines rigorous coursework and intentional mentorship, graduates make an immediate and lasting impact."
House Bill 1977 would create a grant program to support residency programs by helping defray all or a portion of operating costs, including stipends for teacher residents and mentor teachers.
To be eligible for grant funding, residency programs must require teacher residents to complete at least one full academic year of rigorous EPP coursework integrated into a year of guided clinical apprenticeship through a school partnership.
There must also be an expectation of employment for teacher residents at the partnering public or charter school after program completion, with educators required to commit to teach for a minimum of three consecutive years at the partnering school or at another high-need school designated by the Tennessee Department of Education.
House Bill 1977 will be considered in the Education Committee on March 10.
FAIR Rx Act protects consumers, eliminates conflicts of interest
Legislation aimed at preventing conflicts of interest in the prescription drug industry and protecting patient choice advanced out of the Insurance Subcommittee this week.
The Freedom, Access, and Integrity in Registered Pharmacy Act, or FAIR Rx Act, sponsored by State Rep. Rick Scarbrough, R-Oak Ridge, prohibits companies from owning or controlling both a pharmacy and a pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) or a health insurer in Tennessee beginning Jan. 1, 2028.
“This bill separates financial control from patient care and decision-making,” Scarbrough said. “When the same company sets reimbursement rates and owns the pharmacy being paid, it creates a clear conflict of interest.”
This proposal does not prevent independent pharmacies from offering mail-order, specialty or delivery services and does not restrict hospital pharmacies. It also does not apply to employers administering pharmacy benefits for self-funded employee health plans or pharmacy services provided pursuant to contracts with the U.S. Department of Defense for the administration of the TRICARE program.
If enacted, pharmacies currently operating under ownership structures prohibited by the bill may continue operating through Dec. 31, 2028, while pursuing a good-faith sale to an unaffiliated owner. The legislation allows for a possible six-month extension if substantial progress toward a sale is demonstrated. Violations under the legislation can result in civil penalties of up to $10,000 per day per violation.
House Bill 1959 is expected to be heard in the Insurance Committee on March 10.
Bill targets nitrous oxide sales at vape shops
Members of the Criminal Justice Subcommittee this week advanced legislation to address the misuse of nitrous oxide. The Nitrous Oxide Abuse Prevention and Retail Sales Prohibition Act, sponsored by State Rep. Fred Atchley, R-Sevierville, prohibits any vape retailers, manufacturers and distributors of vapor products from selling nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas or whippets.
“This bill aims to prevent the abuse of nitrous oxide by banning the sale of nitrous oxide at the convenience stores, vape shops, gas stations and liquor stores,” Atchley told committee members. “The intent of this bill is to protect our young people.”
In 2025, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned Americans that repeatedly inhaling nitrous oxide could lead to side effects including asphyxiation, blood clots, frostbite, paralysis and brain damage. This proposal specifically bars vape retailers and vape product distributors, wholesalers and importers from offering nitrous oxide products for retail sale.
Violations would carry escalating civil penalties, starting at up to $500 per product for a first offense. Repeat violations within a 12-month period could lead to fines of up to $1,500 per product and suspension or revocation of a retailer’s license. Manufacturers that knowingly cause nitrous oxide products to be sold through vape retailers could face civil penalties of $10,000 per product, and repeated violations could be treated as a deceptive trade practice under state law.
House Bill 1644 is expected to be heard in the Judiciary Committee on March 11.
House advances proposal to make kratom illegal
Proposed legislation that would make kratom illegal to possess, sell or distribute advanced out of the Criminal Justice Subcommittee this week.
Matthew Davenport's Law, or House Bill 1649, sponsored by State Rep. Esther Helton-Haynes, R-East Brainerd, would prohibit kratom and its primary alkaloids, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, in Tennessee and establish criminal penalties to protect public health.
“Growing concerns from Tennessee families, health professionals and community members about the risks, unrestricted availability and potency of natural and synthetic kratom products highlight a clear need for action,” said Helton-Haynes. “The testimony we heard from experts in committee made it clear that natural does not equal safe.”
Kratom, often referred to as “gas station heroin” due to its widespread availability at gas stations, convenience stores, smoke shops and vape stores, is often marketed as a natural supplement. It is sometimes used by individuals attempting to self-treat symptoms such as pain, anxiety, depression, cough or opioid withdrawal.
The legislation would update workplace drug policies by requiring the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development to establish rules adding kratom to workplace drug testing panels and expand toxicology testing to include the presence of kratom.
Matthew Davenport’s life tragically ended on March 18, 2024, following a lethal interaction between kratom and doctor-prescribed medications, highlighting the potential dangers when the substance is used alongside other drugs.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns the public against using kratom for medical treatments. No kratom-containing prescription or over-the-counter drugs are legally approved in the United States. Additionally, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration lists kratom as a “drug and chemical of concern” with potential for abuse. The Judiciary Committee will consider House Bill 1649 on March 11.
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Streamlining disaster relief: The House of Representatives approved legislation this week to streamline how the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) administers disaster relief grants. House Bill 1467, sponsored by State Rep. Rebecca Alexander, R-Jonesborough, exempts disaster response and recovery grants from certain state purchasing and contracting requirements. Many of these steps duplicate reviews already conducted by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which can delay funding delivery for months. By removing those requirements, the legislation aims to help TEMA distribute assistance to impacted communities more efficiently after disasters. House Bill 1467 now heads to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk for his signature.
Homestead exemptions: A proposal to expand Tennessee’s homestead exemption laws advanced out of the Civil Justice Subcommittee this week. House Bill 1903, sponsored by State Rep. Bryan Terry, R-Murfreesboro, extends homestead protections to families with adult children who have developmental or intellectual disabilities when the head of the household dies. Under current law, homestead protections primarily apply to a surviving spouse and minor children. This legislation allows the exemption to continue for an adult child with a qualifying disability who lives in the home. It also permits up to $35,000 from the sale of a homestead property to be provided to an eligible survivor if the property cannot be set apart. It clarifies that some or all of those funds may be deposited into an Achieving a Better Life Experience(ABLE)account for a qualifying individual with disabilities. House Bill 1903 is expected to be heard in the Judiciary Committee on March 11.
Banning virtual currency kiosks: Legislation banning the installation and operation of virtual currency kiosks, commonly known as Bitcoin ATMs or crypto kiosks, advanced in the House this week. House Bill 2505, sponsored by House Speaker Cameron Sexton, R-Crossville, and State Rep. Jay Reedy, R-Erin, creates a Class A misdemeanor to own or operate a virtual currency kiosk. The legislation was drafted in collaboration with law enforcement agencies to protect Tennesseans from scammers. Recent data from law enforcement and consumer protection agencies show incidents of scams involving these kiosks have surged since 2023, often resulting in irreversible financial losses for victims coerced into fake investments or emergency payments. A report by Chainalysis estimates $17 billion was stolen in crypto scams and fraud in 2025 alone. By criminalizing their operation, the legislation prioritizes public safety over unregulated crypto infrastructure. House Bill 2505 is expected to be heard in the Commerce Committee on March 11.
Unlawful image distribution: Legislation expanding legal protections for victims of nonconsensual intimate image distribution advanced out of the Civil Justice Subcommittee this week.House Bill 2012, sponsored by State Rep. Mary Littleton, R-Dickson, allows individuals whose intimate images are shared without their consent to file a civil lawsuit against the person responsible. Victims may recover damages for emotional distress, profits made from the distribution, or up to $150,000 in statutory damages, along with attorney’s fees and court costs. Courts may also order the removal of the images and prohibit any further distribution. Certain exceptions apply for images shared in good faith for law enforcement or legal proceedings. House Bill 2012 is expected to be heard in the Judiciary Committee on March 11.
Rest areas: A Republican proposal would make Tennessee’s interstate rest areas more accommodating for families. House Bill 1824, sponsored by State Rep. Kevin Raper, R-Cleveland, requires the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) to provide at least one family restroom at each rest area across the Volunteer State. The legislation also requires TDOT to relay estimated completion times for each rest area to both the House and Senate Transportation Committees. If passed, all family rest areas would need to be under construction or completed by July 1, 2028. House Bill 1824 will now be considered by the Transportation Committee on March 10.
Civics education: The House Education Committee this week advanced the Tennessee Civics Education Act, sponsored by State Rep. Kip Capley, R-Summertown. The proposal requires people seeking an initial license or endorsement to teach social studies, history, government or civics in grades 6-12 to pass a United States civics test. The exam, created by the Tennessee Department of Education, would include 100 questions collected from the civics test administered by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services for people seeking to become naturalized citizens. A passing score would be correctly answering at least 70 questions. House Bill 1658 will be considered in the Finance, Ways and Means Subcommittee on March 11.
Fourth of July instruction: A proposal to require schools across Tennessee to observe the Fourth of July annually advanced in the House this week. House Bill 1857, sponsored by State Rep. Tim Rudd, R-Murfreesboro, directs schools to provide students with appropriate instruction on the founding of the United States, the separation of the 13 colonies from Great Britain, the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution and related rights and freedoms. School districts and charter schools would determine the instructional program and methods based on grade-specific objectives. The proposal requires instruction to be non-partisan and focus on historical facts, founding documents, and underlying civic principles. House Bill 1857 will be heard in the Education Committee on March 10.
Violent offenders: The House this week passed House Bill 33, sponsored by State Rep. John Gillespie,R-Memphis, which creates a presumption against releasing defendants from jail on their own recognizance if the defendant is charged with an offense involving a firearm that results in the bodily injury or death of a victim. The bill requires judges to include documentation explaining the reasoning for releasing a defendant. The companion bill passed in the Senate last year and now heads to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk for his signature.
Working families: House Bill 2358, sponsored by State Rep. David Hawk, R-Greeneville, would direct the Tennessee Department of Human Services to annually transfer funds from the state’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant to the Child Care and Development Fund to support participation in Tennessee’s Smart Steps childcare program. The legislation requires transferring an amount sufficient to support the Smart Steps program, which helps working parents remain in the workforce. House Bill 2358 heads to the Health Committee on March 10.
Work authorization: The House of Representatives on Thursday passed legislation to ensure all employees in Tennessee have legal work authorization. House Bill 1194, sponsored by State Rep. Scott Cepicky, R-Culleoka, lowers the threshold for coverage under the Tennessee Lawful Employment Act from six employees to one. This change helps ensure all private employers in the state comply with work authorization requirements. Employers must submit specified proof of work authorization for employees and certain non-employees to the commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development. The companion version of House Bill 1194 is still advancing through the Senate.
Economic development: The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development announced this week that Starbucks plans to locate a corporate operations office in the Volunteer State. The Davidson County office will support the company's continued growth and rising customer demand in the southeastern United States.
Civics instruction: House Bill 2395, sponsored by State Rep. Michele Reneau, R-Signal Mountain, would require local education agencies (LEAs) and public charter schools to incorporate civics instructional videos into social studies curriculum for grades 6-12. The instructional video would be recommended by the Tennessee Textbook and Instructional Materials Quality Commission and approved by the Tennessee State Board of Education. The bill requires viewing the civics instructional video once each school year. If passed, the measure would be implemented in the 2027-28 school year.
Consumer protections: Legislation aimed at modernizing Tennessee’s reverse mortgage laws and providing older homeowners with additional financial flexibility advanced this week in the House. House Bill 2382, sponsored by State Rep. Kevin Vaughan, R-Collierville, will recognize additional reverse mortgage products beyond those currently insured through the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). Currently, only FHA-insured reverse mortgages are authorized in Tennessee. The proposed legislation would allow reverse mortgages on homes that exceed the FHA maximum lending limit and expand eligibility to borrowers as young as 55, compared to the FHA minimum age requirement of 62. The legislation would also extend eligibility to homeowners living in condominiums that do not meet FHA approval guidelines, increasing access for property owners. House Bill 2382 will be considered in the Commerce Committee on March 11.
Screen time: Legislation to eliminate classroom screen time for K-5 students advanced in the House this week. House Bill 2393, sponsored by State Rep. Michele Reneau, R-Signal Mountain, would reduce reliance on one-to-one student device use while allowing teacher-directed technology in the classroom. The legislation exempts the use of digital tools for special education accommodations, response to intervention (RTI) assessments, virtual or hybrid learning environments and certain disciplinary situations. House Bill 2393 would allow schools to transition away from one-to-one device models as existing vendor contracts expire. The proposal will be considered in the Education Committee on March 10.
Economic development: Global professional audio manufacturer Sennheiser plans to move its Americas Regional Hub to Rock Nashville, according to the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development. Rock Nashville is the largest purpose-built music facility in the world, complete with 13 rehearsal studios and two arena rehearsal studios. The announcement will lead to the creation of at least 25 jobs and an investment of $2.5 million.
Rest area signage: House Bill 1912, sponsored by State Rep. Kevin Raper, R-Cleveland, would require the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) to clearly mark rest areas and welcome centers that provide adult-sized changing tables. The bill would also require the department to publish the locations of these accessible facilities on its website to help travelers easily identify them. House Bill 1912 authorizes TDOT to work with the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development to manufacture and install the necessary signs or markers along portions of the interstate and state highway systems near rest areas and welcome centers. The Transportation Committee will hear the bill on March 10.
Broadband expansion: The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development on Thursday announced the U.S. Department of Commerce's approval of the Volunteer State's broadband expansion plan through the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment Program. The announcement will bring more than $200 million in funding to unserved and underserved communities across Tennessee. The state-administered federal funds will benefit 128 projects in 74 counties, delivering service to more than 43,000 locations and helping ensure all residents have access to reliable high-speed internet.
David Crockett Week: The House of Representatives honored the legacy of David Crockett on the House floor Thursday, marking the 190th anniversary of his death at the Battle of the Alamo. House Joint Resolution 990, sponsored by State Rep. David Hawk, R-Greeneville, recognized Crockett’s life as a frontiersman, soldier, statesman and folk hero, highlighting his service in the Tennessee General Assembly and U.S. Congress. Gov. Bill Lee signed a proclamation designating March 2-6 as David Crockett Week, celebrating his enduring influence on Tennessee and the nation. The resolution and proclamation also emphasized preserving the David Crockett Birthplace State Park in Greene County, which sustained significant damage during Hurricane Helene. Gov. Lee’s 2027 budget proposal includes $22.7 million for the first phase of restoration under the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation’s (TDEC) master plan. Crockett’s legacy lives on across Tennessee, including in Crockett County and its county seat, Alamo, named in tribute to his sacrifice.