(The Center Square) – Tennessee lawmakers will consider a flurry of bills as they return to Nashville.
Gov. Bill Lee’s school choice bill has snagged most of the attention, but lawmakers have several other issues to consider.
Here are eight other bills lawmakers will consider:
Grocery taxes
A bill backed by Democrats to end the state’s grocery tax on food failed last year. Rep. Elaine Davis, R-Knoxville, filed a bill in December that would remove the tax from food and food ingredients. Democrats reintroduced the bill in November.
Free menstrual hygiene products in schools
Davis is also sponsoring a bill that would require schools to have free menstrual hygiene products. The available products would be for student use only. The bill does not say who would be responsible for the cost.
Local transportation tax
House Majority Leader William Lamberth, R-Portland, wants to allow more local governments to levy a surcharge to fund transportation improvements. The bill filed Monday would change the language in the Tennessee law from “transit improvement” to “transportation improvement.”
State property tax
Lawmakers must approve a resolution banning the state from imposing a statewide property tax for a second time, per state law. If approved by both chambers, voters will decide on the 2026 ballot. Tennessee does not have a state property tax.
Lottery ticket tax
Rep. Kelly Keisling, R-Byrdtown, introduced a bill that would add a 5-cent sales tax on lottery tickets. The tax would only apply to the sale of tickets and not winnings. Half of the proceeds would be distributed the same as property taxes for local school systems, and the other distribution would be determined by where the sale occurred, according to the Tennessee Code referred to in the bill.
Free school lunches
Rep. John Ray Clemmons, D-Nashville, wants local school districts to implement a free breakfast and lunch program for students. The state would pick up the tab after federal funds are exhausted, according to the bill.
The Ten Commandments in schools
Rep. Michael Hale, R-Smithville, has introduced a bill that would require schools to display the Ten Commandments, the Declaration of Independence, the United States Constitution, the Constitution of Tennessee and the Bill of Rights in a “prominent location.”
Student cellphone use
Rep. Dan Howell, R-Cleveland, would require schools to prohibit the use of personal electronics by students during the school day for students in grades K-8. The ban would only apply to instructional time for high school students.