HB1971Introduced in the House
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 1, Chapter 3 and Title 49, relative to causes of action.
Introduced by Andrew Farmer, District 17
What does this bill do?
Plain-English breakdown
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Official description
As enacted, removes the right of a cause of action for any affected person who seeks declaratory and injunctive relief in any action brought regarding the legality or constitutionality of a state governmental action; authorizes such an action against a political subdivision of this state; does not limit any other cause of action or waiver of sovereign immunity to vindicate rights under the Tennessee Constitution or the United States Constitution. - Amends TCA Title 1, Chapter 3 and Title 49.
Where it stands
Effective date(s) 04/07/2026
April 23, 2026
How did lawmakers vote?
House votes
3 recorded votes · each counted separately
Senate votes
1 recorded vote · each counted separately
SenateStage: FLOOR VOTE: Third Consideration · April 2, 2026
18
Yes
13
No
1
Absent or Not Voting
32 senators recorded in this Senate vote. Colors show vote categories only, not whether a vote was good or bad.
What do people think?
Citizen Voice
How would you vote on this bill?
An unofficial public opinion poll. It does not affect the bill or the official vote.
One response per device. Location is self-reported and not verified. Results are informal and not a scientific survey.
See how each senator voted
| Senator | District | Vote |
|---|---|---|
| Adam Lowe | 1 | No |
| Tom Hatcher | 2 | Yes |
| Rusty Crowe | 3 | No |
| Robert Harshbarger | 4 | No |
| Randy McNally | 5 | Yes |
| Becky Massey | 6 | Yes |
| Richard Briggs | 7 | No |
| Jessie Seal | 8 | Yes |
| Steve Southerland | 9 | Yes |
| Todd Gardenhire | 10 | Yes |
Bill history
Filed for introduction
Intro., P1C.
P2C, ref. to Judiciary Committee
Assigned to s/c Civil Justice Subcommittee
Placed on s/c cal Civil Justice Subcommittee for 2/11/2026
Rec. for pass by s/c ref. to Judiciary Committee
Sponsor(s) Added.
Placed on cal. Judiciary Committee for 2/18/2026
Action def. in Judiciary Committee to 3/11/2026
Sponsor(s) withdrawn.
Sponsor(s) withdrawn.
Placed on cal. Judiciary Committee for 3/4/2026
Sponsor(s) withdrawn.
Action def. in Judiciary Committee to 3/18/2026
Placed on cal. Judiciary Committee for 3/18/2026
Action def. in Judiciary Committee to 3/25/2026
Placed on cal. Judiciary Committee for 3/23/2026
Sponsor(s) Added.
Rec. for pass. if am., ref. to Calendar & Rules Committee
Placed on cal. Calendar & Rules Committee for 3/26/2026
H. Placed on Regular Calendar for 3/30/2026
H. adopted am. (Amendment 1 - HA0861)
Sponsor(s) Added.
Passed H., as am., Ayes 56, Nays 38, PNV 1
Engrossed; ready for transmission to Sen.
Received from House, Passed on First Consideration
Senate substituted House Bill for companion Senate Bill.
Amendment withdrawn. (Amendment 1 - SA0923)
Passed Senate, Ayes 18, Nays 13
Enrolled; ready for sig. of H. Speaker.
Signed by H. Speaker
Signed by Senate Speaker
Transmitted to Governor for his action.
Signed by Governor.
Pub. Ch. 664
Effective date(s) 04/07/2026
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