Committees Take Center Stage as Budget Hearings Begin: Protecting Religious Freedom and Agriculture Education Lead the Week
By State Senator Page Walley
(NASHVILLE, TN) – Now that the deadline to file bills for consideration has passed, all legislation for the year has been introduced and the focus shifts to committee hearings. In the Senate, bills are assigned to standing committees based on the subject matter, where lawmakers debate the details and decide whether bills should advance.
At the same time, 60 state departments and agencies are presenting their spending plans to the appropriate legislative committees during annual “budget hearings.” Last week marked the first round of budget hearings, with Senate committees approving 18 budgets. Budget hearings also serve as an important oversight tool, allowing lawmakers to examine how taxpayer dollars are spent and evaluate program effectiveness.
Below is a look at a few key measures moving through the Senate this week.
Legislation advances to invest in the future of agriculture education
In an effort to build a stronger education to career pipeline in agriculture, the Senate Energy, Agriculture, and Natural Resources Committee passed Senate Bill 1645 last week. This is a bill I am sponsoring along with Rep. Johnny Shaw. The legislation establishes the “Tennessee Agricultural Innovation and Education Initiative” within the Department of Agriculture.
Agriculture in the Volunteer State is a key economic driver and a foundational part of our history. This legislation addresses the need for workforce shortages in the industries and creates another tool in the toolbox to engage and promote agriculture in the next generation. By investing in education, outreach, and innovation, we are ensuring that Tennessee’s agricultural community remains strong and ready for the future.
The initiative will support statewide outreach, education, and storytelling efforts that highlight the importance and history of agriculture in Tennessee. Additionally, the program will strengthen career pathways to agricultural industries, encourage innovation, and expand digital access to agriculture workforce and learning resources.
The bill now heads to the Finance Committee – of which I am a member – for fiscal review.
Legislation filed to protect church services, religious gatherings
Legislation was introduced to protect people of faith in Tennessee from disruptions of religious gatherings in the wake of the Cities Church protest in Minnesota.
Senate Bill 2335 would create a Class A misdemeanor for disrupting a religious assembly by designating the offense as an aggravated criminal trespass. Gardenhire filed the legislation following nationwide outrage after protestors opposing federal immigration enforcement disrupted a Christian worship service at Cities Church in Saint Paul, Minn., on Jan. 18.
When activists invade a church and terrorize worshippers, they aren’t exercising free speech; they’re attacking a core American freedom. No Tennessean should ever fear intimidation or harassment while practicing their faith, and this legislation protects their fundamental rights to worship freely and peacefully.
The protesters screamed chants, yelled at congregants and blocked people from getting to their children in the childcare area, according to an affidavit filed by an agent with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Protestors taunted children, with one telling them their parents are “Nazis” who were “going to burn in hell,” the affidavit said.
Protesters accused one of the pastors of Cities Church of working for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). DHS arrested three leaders of the planned protest on federal charges.
The Volunteer State consistently ranks among the best in the nation for protecting the religious liberties of residents.
Senate Bill 2335 will be heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee in the coming weeks.
General Assembly passes legislation allowing one free transfer for TSSAA athletes
To provide high school athletes with more opportunities to compete in their sports, the General Assembly passed Senate Bill 16 on Monday. The bill allows middle and high school athletes to transfer schools one time without losing athletic eligibility, regardless of the reason for the transfer. To remain eligible, the transfer must take place before the start of the school year. Any additional transfers will still follow existing athletic association rules, including provisions such as verified parental moves.
Previously, the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) had the authority to prevent a student from competition based solely on a transfer, even when no other eligibility issues were present. This legislation removes that, ensuring a single transfer does not stop a student from athletic competitions at their new school.
This legislation strikes an important balance between fairness and stability in high school sports. It ensures a single transfer does not sideline a student-athlete, while still allowing athletic associations to enforce eligibility rules for additional transfers. Many agreed that allowing a one-time transfer without penalty would benefit both students and schools. Our goal was to expand opportunity without undermining the integrity of competition. This new law reflects that shared commitment to putting student-athletes first.
The legislation, which was originally passed in the Senate last year, followed extensive discussion among lawmakers, the TSSAA, and athletic directors on how to best balance fairness, school stability, and expanded access for student athletes. In those discussions, many athletic directors from high schools throughout the state agreed with lawmakers that a one-time transfer for student athletes would benefit member schools and student athletes across Tennessee.
As always please call my office if we can be of any support. Email me at sen.page.walley@capitol.tn.gov or call my office at 615-741-2368. I look forward to keeping you updated in the coming weeks. Thank you for allowing me to serve as your senator.
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