Capitol Hill review: 114th General Assembly adjourns for 2025
The 2025 session was highlighted by efforts to strengthen education, improve public health and safety, bolster infrastructure and combat illegal immigration. Lawmakers this session worked to preserve Tennessee's rich agricultural and natural heritage, ensure government efficiency and promote economic opportunity. They also continued efforts to provide relief to the Tennesseans impacted by Hurricane Helene while helping increase preparedness for future disasters. These strategic investments aim to make life better for all in the Volunteer State. Republicans continued to build on their previous accomplishments and cemented Tennessee's status as a leader in common-sense conservative governance and prosperity.
Marcy's Law to expand victims' rights heads to TN voters - A proposed constitutional amendment to expand the rights of victims in Tennessee now heads to voters in the state for final approval. Senate Joint Resolution 9, carried by State Rep. Clay Doggett, R-Pulaski, proposes to put Marsy's Law in the state constitution to ensure crime victims' rights are protected in Tennessee.
The legislation would amend Article 1, Section 35 of the Tennessee Constitution to establish clear and enforceable constitutional rights for victims of crime, including the rights to be: heard, informed and treated with fairness, dignity and respect through the judicial process. Named after Marsalee Nicholas, Marsy's Law is part of a nationwide effort to support crime victims and prevent further trauma. Marsy was murdered in 1983 by her ex-boyfriend, who stalked and killed her while she was a student at the University of California at Santa Barbara. Marsy's family ran into her murderer a week after her death on the way back from her funeral, unaware that he was released on bail. Marsy's Law seeks to ensure devastating and traumatic experiences like this never happen to victims in Tennessee. This proposed amendment will now be considered by Tennessee voters in the Nov. 3, 2026 gubernatorial election.
Farmland Preservation Act helps conservation - Legislation aimed at supporting Tennessee's agricultural industry and preserving family farms now heads to the governor's desk for his signature following final passage in the General Assembly.
The Farmland Preservation Act, House Bill 1325 establishes a $25 million fund to provide grants for property owners who voluntarily place their farm or forestry land into an agricultural easement with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture.
The program aims to make farmland preservation financially feasible for family farms, ensuring they remain in agricultural use for future generations. Tennessee is losing farmland to development at a rapid rate. During a 20-year period from 1997 to 2017, Tennessee lost 1.1 million acres of farmland to development. Since 2017, another 432,941 acres of farmland have been lost. At this rate, Tennessee is losing 9.8 acres of farmland per hour. While property owners can already place their land in a conservation easement through various entities, rising land prices provide little incentive to do so. The Farmland Preservation Fund established in the bill provides this incentive, making it more financially viable for Tennessee farmers to preserve their land. Participation in the program is voluntary, allowing property owners to receive compensation for the difference between their land's agricultural value and its highest market value. Farmers who take part in the program would still maintain the freedom to develop their land for agricultural purposes and maintain full farming operations without restrictions on output.
Agriculture-related industries employ 324,000 individuals and contribute $89 billion to Tennessee's economy. The Farmland Preservation Act becomes law July 1.
General Assembly works to keep violent offenders in custody - The General Assembly approved a constitutional amendment that seeks to improve public safety in Tennessee by keeping violent offenders in custody.
Senate Joint Resolution 25 will expand the offenses for which a judge can deny bail to include capital offenses, acts of terrorism, second-degree murder, aggravated rape of a child, aggravated rape and grave torture. Currently, judges can only deny bail for capital offenses. The legislation would also improve transparency in Tennessee's criminal justice system by requiring judges and magistrates to explain their reasoning behind allowing or denying a defendant's bail.
Two separate General Assemblies must first approve any proposed amendment to the Tennessee Constitution before it can be placed on the ballot for voters to decide.
Senate Joint Resolution 25 received its first approval in the 113th General Assembly. Tennessee voters will now have the opportunity to approve this constitutional amendment in the Nov. 3, 2026, gubernatorial election.
General Assembly creates advisory committee on K-12 testing - A Republican proposal seeking to streamline K-12 testing in Tennessee was approved by the General Assembly.
House Bill 675 will create a ten-member joint legislative advisory committee on innovations in K-12 learning to study several aspects of Tennessee's educational system, including evaluations, assessments and other standards.
The committee will study standardized testing for K-12 students, including frequency and how to apply student performance on tests for accountability purposes. It will also evaluate the following:
Teacher and principal evaluations
Screening requirements for response to intervention (RTI) in schools
Health coverage and compensation for educators
Expanding teaching permits
Allowing CTE courses to substitute for graduation requirements
The committee will develop strategies and suggestions to be reported to the General Assembly and the Tennessee Department of Education by the end of 2025. The purpose of this review is to support students and educators across the state.
House Bill 675 heads to the governor for his consideration.
It is an honor and privilege to be able to serve in the 71st District. If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to call or email our office at rep.kip.capley@capitol.tn.gov or 615-741-2190.
This article originally appeared on The Daily Herald: Capitol Hill review: 114th General Assembly adjourns for 2025
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