What changes, laws are taking effect in 2026 for Tennessee?

2 hours ago

Ashlyn Swinea,

JACKSON, Tenn. — As soon as the calendar flips to January 1, several laws passed by the Tennessee General Assembly will take effect in the state.

What laws are set to take effect?

One bill puts Tennessee in the forefront as a leader in safety by creating a law that has a registry for repeat domestic violence offenders.

Savanna’s Law

Savanna’s Law was passed in April of this year, but will take effect on January 1.

Savanna’s Law will require individuals that have been convicted of domestic abuse to be added to a registry.

According to the law, the registry will include the offender’s name, date of birth, conviction date, county, and a current photograph.

Registrants will also be required to pay a $100 fee to be put toward grants that fund violence prevention and intervention services.

Representative Johnny Shaw, who represents District 80 which includes parts of Hardeman, Haywood, and Madison County says Savanna’s Law will help reduce domestic violence.

“Domestic violence is a very serious issue in the state of Tennessee as we know and because it is anything we can do to help curve that is just a plus,” said Rep. Shaw.

Ink of Hope Act

In addition to Savanna’s Law, the Ink of Hope Act was passed by the state earlier this year. It requires tattoo artists to have human trafficking intervention training.

This law is meant to train tattoo artists to recognize symbols or “brands” to identify human trafficking victims without being at risk.

Tattoo artists that are looking to renew their licenses after January 1, and those getting their licenses after the date will be required to watch a course that focuses on human trafficking.

Artists who do not receive the training by the end of 2028 will have their licenses invalid until they complete the training.

Implied Consent Law Changes

In the new year, Tennesseans will also see a change to another law that is already on the books.

Currently, Tennessee’s Implied Consent Law says anyone driving on state roads automatically gives unspoken consent to a breath or blood test if law enforcement suspects a DUI.

Even if you refuse the tests, you can still be charged with implied consent violation even if you are not convicted of a DUI.

One of the changes coming in 2026 is how Tennessee handles these violations when a blood draw is conducted under a search warrant.

Beginning on January 1, Tennessee law will specifically allow the state to charge a driver with an implied consent violation even if blood was drawn under a warrant or other legal means.

This change allows the state to fully prosecute implied consent charges.

Another change is that a first-time implied consent violation results for a one year license suspension however in the new year it will be an 18-month suspension.

Representative Shaw says if you claim you are sober there should be no reason why you should have this violation.