Weather Delays Session Next Week as Lawmakers Prepare for State of the State Address
By State Senator Page Walley
Our Tennessee General Assembly wrapped up the second week of the 2026 legislative session as winter weather prompted the Senate to cancel floor sessions and committee meetings this week. To keep the legislative process on track, the deadline to file bills was extended from Jan. 29 to Feb. 2, with proposals required to be submitted to the legal department by Jan. 29.
Senate staff is scheduled to return to the office Wednesday, and we will return on Monday, Feb. 2, with a joint session for Gov. Bill Lee’s annual State of the State and budget address.
Lawmakers receive update on Tennessee’s nuclear energy strategy
My Senate Energy, Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee received an update on the work of the Nuclear Energy Advisory Council, which was established in 2023 by Governor Bill Lee to strengthen Tennessee’s leadership in nuclear innovation.
Officials from the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), which oversee the Council, briefed lawmakers on its progress and impact.
The Nuclear Energy Advisory Council has delivered exactly what Tennessee needs to continue to lead the way in nuclear innovation by providing clear direction, smart policy, and real results. With world-class research institutions, the TVA, a strong business-friendly climate, and forward-thinking leadership, Tennessee is uniquely positioned to advance nuclear energy. The Council has helped propel our state to the forefront of the industry while creating high-quality jobs and securing our energy future.
Guided by the Council’s recommendations, Tennessee has made strategic investments, including:
● Up to $50 million to support TVA’s Clinch River Small Modular Reactor project, with an additional $20 million added in the past two fiscal years
● $20 million in federal grant matching funds for Tennessee universities and businesses
● $10 million for the Tennessee Nuclear Energy & Supply Chain Fund
● $10 million for vocational education supporting nuclear career pathways
● $2.6 million to establish the nation’s first state regulatory framework for commercial nuclear fusion
Today, Tennessee is home to 229+ nuclear companies across 350+ locations, earning recognition from the American Nuclear Society as “the epicenter” of U.S. nuclear energy.
Department of Safety reviews CDL documentation to ensure lawful status and DUI arrests for ‘sober drivers’
Our Senate Transportation and Safety Committee received an update this week from the Tennessee Department of Safety on its efforts to ensure only individuals lawfully present in the United States hold Commercial Driver’s Licences (CDL) in Tennessee. President Trump issued an executive order in April 2025 mandating that all CDL drivers be lawfully present in the US, a standard Tennessee has long upheld.
A recent records review found that documentation was not always retained for licenses issued before 2001. As a result, the department discovered about 8,800 drivers’ files lacked proof of lawful presence. The Department noted that this does not indicate these individuals are unlawfully present, only that documentation was not on file. The Department has since mailed notices requiring affected drivers to submit proof of lawful status by April 6 to maintain their CDL.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol also updated the committee on concerns surrounding so-called “sober DUI” arrests. The testimony followed recent media reports highlighting cases in which drivers were arrested for driving under the influence but later tested negative for drugs and alcohol. I have received multiple calls from constituents regarding this issue, and the committee will continue reviewing the matter to ensure enforcement practices are fair, appropriate and consistent with the law.
Our activity will ramp up dramatically in the coming weeks, as important bills I have filed will be heard in Committees. Please continue to reach out to me on the issues and topics that interest you. Email me at sen.page.walley@capitol.tn.gov or call my office at 615-741-2368.
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