List: New laws in Tennessee taking effect in January 2026

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - The new year will bring a new set of laws to Tennessee come Jan. 1, 2026.

This follows the array of laws that took effect in the state on July 1, right after the conclusion of the 2025 legislative session.

Previous: List: These new laws take effect in Tennessee on July 1

THC and hemp in Tennessee:

Latest: TN hemp program to remain unchanged, for now, as new federal rules change

The Alcoholic Beverage Commission takes over as the regulator for hemp sales
THCA clarified as hemp-derived cannabinoid
THCP deemed not a hemp-derived cannabinoid
Anything with a concentration of more than .3% on a dry weight basis of THCA will not be able to be sold
“This amendment clarifies that the 0.3% is the limit for delta-9 THC content for hemp-derived cannabinoids.”

Implied Consent/Driving the Influence in Tennessee:

Gov. Lee signed a bill to change the state’s implied consent law.

Refusing a requested blood test will trigger an implied consent charge
License suspension for refusal increases to 1.5 years (for a misdemeanor DUI suspect with no related conviction in the last 10 years)
Saliva tests are authorized and results are admissible

Buying junk food with SNAP benefits:

Prohibits the purchase of items like soda, energy drinks, candy and prepared desserts with SNAP benefits

Savanna’s Law - Creates a registry of persistent domestic violence offenders:

The law requires a person convicted of, or who pleads guilty to, domestic assault to register, but only if the victim agrees to the defendant being required to register.
If the victim does not give consent or is not available, the court will not require a person convicted of domestic assault to register under the law.
However, if a court orders a defendant to register, then the court clerk must provide the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation with a copy of the qualifying conviction. This must be done within 60 days of the date of the conviction.