New Tennessee law changes outline parental rights, condemn ‘debanking’ and more

JACKSON, Tenn. — In our continuing coverage we’re bringing you some additional laws that went into effect July first.

There are many new laws that Tennessee can expect from the General Assembly starting this month. The ‘Family Rights and Responsibility Act’ outlines 12 fundamental rights of parents.

“This bill provides that the liberty of a parent to direct the upbringing, education, health care and the mental health of the child is a fundamental right. And that government or any government entity, or government employee cannot infringe on that right,” said Representative Chris Todd.

Another bill now in effect protects citizens from ‘debanking’ for political and religious reasons. It states that no individual should face the loss of banking services or access to their accounts due to their values or beliefs.

“This provides that a financial institution, and even an insurance company, cannot deny or cancel services on the basis of a person’s political opinions, person religious beliefs or any factor that’s not quantitative or impartial or even risk-based standard,” said Rep. Todd

That bill also include environmental social governance and the governing policies of a board.

This next legislation assigns student resource officers to improve school safety.

“There are some schools in the state– some districts, that have said we don’t want SRO’s or we don’t want one in a particular school. But, this gives the law enforcement agency the option of going ahead and overriding that to certain degree. This just takes care of unprotected schools where a district feels like they can’t afford it or for some other reason,” said Rep. Todd.

Further laws protect consumers when they’re wanting to purchase either firearms, ammunition or related items on a credit card or debit card. This regulation keeps companies from controlling what you can and can’t purchase.

For a list of several other laws going into effect, click here.