Legislative Update – 5-01-25
The Tennessee General Assembly adjourned the 2025 legislative session on Tuesday, April 22. The legislature completed its business in a fashion that could perhaps be best described as workmanlike, managing to avoid inter-chamber tensions and last-minute drama that have occasionally marked closing days or previous adjournments. Some of this can be attributed to the fact that Governor Bill Lee and legislative leadership opted to call a special session earlier in the year to address several high-profile issues—including the Governor’s signature legislative initiative on educational freedom scholarships, hurricane recovery efforts in East Tennessee following Hurricane Helene, and immigration legislation.
The Governor was successful in the effort to take the concept of educational freedom scholarships statewide, and lawmakers allocated a total of $908 million to fund the initiatives passed in the special session. Immediately following the conclusion of the two-week special session, the Legislature transitioned directly into the regular session. Perhaps the main highlight was the overwhelming passage of a $59.8 billion budget that received bipartisan support.
On behalf of Tennessee Trucking Association, we tracked more than 1,740 bills and actively engaged on more than 75 bills on behalf of the industry.
A key priority for TTA this year was the passage of a “cleanup” legislation to last year’s MOTION Act, which was a major overhaul of Tennessee’s towing and booting laws. This cleanup bill, HB972/SB1068, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson and Representative Jake McCalmon (both R-Franklin), reaffirms the ban on booting commercial vehicles and tractor trailers anywhere in Tennessee under any circumstances. It also establishes a statewide framework for booting on private property, allowing local governments to opt in by passing a local ordinance. To lawfully boot in Tennessee, operators must use a self-releasing device—meaning the vehicle owner can remove the device without third-party assistance, the boot must allow for electronic payment for removal with a maximum fee of $75, operators must be licensed by the local government and carry a $250,000 bond. In jurisdictions without a booting ordinance, booting is allowed only on commercial parking lots and performed only by a W-2 employee of the lot owner—not by third-party operators. The legislation also tightens notice requirements for towing companies to improve communication with vehicle owners. Additionally, the legislation directs the Department of Revenue to create an electronic portal, by October 1, 2026, for tracking abandoned and immobile vehicles
While 2025 is not an election year in Tennessee, the close of session signals a kickoff of the legislative fundraising season. All 99 seats of the House and half of the Senate will be on the ballot in 2026. Many legislators will now shift focus to fundraising efforts ahead of the next election cycle. TruckPAC will be active throughout the summer and fall, and your continued support of TruckPAC is greatly appreciated.
Please also note that since 2025 is the first year of a two-year General Assembly term, any bill that did not pass or fail in committee this year may be carried over and considered active in the 2026 legislative session.
On behalf of the Tennessee Government Relations Team at Adams and Reese, it has been our privilege to represent you this session. We look forward to continuing our work during the interim and preparing for a successful 2026 session. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or feedback.