Legislative Advocacy
The second year of the 114th General Assembly is underway.
Here at the ACLU of Tennessee, we are dedicated to working alongside legislators, partner organizations, and our supporters to protect our rights during the 2026 Legislative Session. We also work to defeat harmful legislation and connect lawmakers with Tennesseans directly affected by the bills they write. Together, we will build a thriving democracy in Tennessee and push for equity for all.
TAKE ACTION: OPPOSE HB 1250/SB 1041 The Chaplains in the Classroom Bill
Tennessee lawmakers are advancing HB 1250/SB 1041, legislation that would place chaplains in public schools to provide “support and services” to students, staff, and parents. Even trained chaplains oppose the move.
TAKE ACTION: SUPPORT SB 336/HB 687 The Voting Rights Restoration Act
Tennessee lawmakers are considering SB 336/HB 687, which would allow individuals to pursue restoration of voting rights as long as they are compliant with child support obligations.
TAKE ACTION: OPPOSE SB 836/HB 793 The Papers, Please Education Act
Tennessee lawmakers are considering SB 836/HB 793, bills that would turn classrooms into immigration checkpoints and teachers into immigration trackers.
TAKE ACTION: OPPOSE HB 1474/SB 2409 The Hide Our Pride Act
Tennessee lawmakers are considering HB 1474/SB 2409 that would prohibit any Pride flag or emblem on government property or by government employees. It also prohibits Tennessee government institutions and employees, in their official capacity, from recognizing Pride Month.
TAKE ACTION: OPPOSE HB 1491/SB 1714 which Turns Public Schools into Sunday Schools
Tennessee lawmakers are considering HB 1491/SB 1714, which would require public schools to teach the Bible as literature, as well as the history of Israel and the Christian Church, and provide a designated period for prayer that students could opt into.
TAKE ACTION: OPPOSE: SB 1779/HB 1704 and Stop Tennessee from Criminalizing Immigrants
Tennessee lawmakers are taking up SB 1779/HB 1704, which would criminalize undocumented people who have removal orders but are still present in Tennessee. Please note: This link will take you to a third-party website, tn.gov.
TAKE ACTION: OPPOSE SB 2223/HB 2219 to Stop State-Mandated Immigration Enforcement Partnerships
Tennessee lawmakers are taking up SB 2223/HB 2219, which would mandate all Tennessee counties to enter 287(g) agreements, contracts that require them to collaborate with ICE on immigration enforcement. The bill penalizes those that fail to comply by withholding tax revenues and state grants.
