Public Safety and Protecting Children Lead the Week as Senate Nears Adjournment
By State Senator Page Walley
April 13, 2026 – Our Senate is continuing to wrap up committee work. Key legislation that advanced last week included protections for law enforcement, guardrails for AI platforms to protect children, curbing the use of harmful substances and improving medical care for patients.
This week attention will shift to budget negotiations and wrapping up legislative business as the Senate is set to meet every day this week for floor sessions.
Legislation passed to protect churches from public disruption
To protect the sanctity of religious gatherings, the Senate passed Senate Bill 2327, which I cosponsored. The legislation establishes a Class A misdemeanor offense for intentionally interfering with lawful religious services, including trespassing, disruptive demonstrations, or other acts that disturb or obstruct the order and solemnity of a service.
Places of worship are sacred spaces, and Tennesseans have a fundamental right to practice their faith without interference. This legislation makes clear that we will not tolerate individuals who disrupt religious services or disrespect those exercising their First Amendment rights. It’s about protecting religious liberty, maintaining order, and ensuring there are real consequences for those who cross the line.
Legislation creates certification process for IVF clinics to ensure patient safety
The Senate passed legislation requiring all fertility clinics in Tennessee to obtain a certificate from the Department of Health (DOH) to perform Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) services. Senate Bill 2461 establishes a certification process to ensure clinics meet professional standards, maintain proper emergency plans, and follow current clinical practice guidelines.
Creating a clear certification process for fertility clinics ensures patients receive safe, high-quality care while establishing accountability and professional standards across the state. This legislation protects families, promotes best practices in reproductive medicine, and ensures clinics are prepared for emergencies without interrupting care.
Senate passes legislation aimed at preventing deed fraud by strengthening requirements for recording property deeds
To help prevent deed fraud and protect property owners, the Senate passed legislation strengthening requirements for preparing and recording property deeds. The bill requires that any deed transferring real property be prepared by a licensed attorney, a licensed title insurance agent, the property owner, or someone legally authorized to act on the owner’s behalf.
Senate Bill 1707 also requires an affidavit with each deed confirming who prepared it and that it was properly signed and notarized, adding an extra layer of verification before it can be recorded. The legislation comes in response to growing concerns about deed fraud, including reported attempts to unlawfully transfer ownership of properties.
This bill is about protecting Tennesseans from having their property stolen through fraudulent deeds. By adding clear requirements and verification, we’re putting stronger safeguards in place to stop bad actors.
Offering flexibility for state employees continuing education– To give state employees more flexibility in continuing their education, our Senate State and Local Government Committee, which I vice-chair, passed legislation expanding access to higher education opportunities. Senate Bill 1612 allows full-time state employees to take up to four college courses at the same time at a state-supported institution, so long as they do not exceed four courses in a year.
Increasing options for homeschool testing – The Senate passed legislation to enhance testing freedom for Tennessee homeschoolers passed the House this week. Senate Bill 2636 authorizes the use of additional nationally-normed standardized exams for homeschool students in grades five, seven and nine. Currently, independent homeschool students are required to take the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program in person at their zoned public school. This legislation provides alternative testing options by allowing families to select an eligible English language arts and mathematics exam, and adds the Classic Learning Test as an option for all Tennessee students as an alternative to the ACT or SAT. Additionally, it eliminates an antiquated section of Tennessee law that allows a school district to require a homeschool student to enter public or private school if the child fails to meet certain testing requirements.
As we enter the last couple weeks of the Session, please continue to reach out to me at 615-741-2368 or sen.page.walley@capitol.tn.gov. It’s an honor to serve as our state senator. Thank you.
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