News

The Tennessee General Assembly unanimously passed legislation protecting consumers from excessive charges when canceling service contracts for cable, internet or phone plans.

House Bill 141, sponsored byState Rep. Michael Hale, R-Smithville, prohibits service providers from billing customers for an extra billing period if the contract is canceled during the first half of a cycle.

“This legislation reaffirms Tennessee’s commitment to protecting consumers from deceptive and unfair billing practices,” Hale said. “It sets clear guidelines to ensure people only pay for services they actively use and aren’t stuck with charges for accounts they’ve properly canceled.”

If a customer cancels in the second half of a service period, providers can still charge for the remaining days and one additional full billing term. Companies that fail to follow the new rules may face penalties as outlined in the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act of 1977.

The law does not ban minimum contract terms but ensures customers are not unfairly billed after canceling service.

In 2024, the Tennessee Attorney General and Reporter’s office received 8,536 formal consumer complaints, including 520 related to internet sales.

House Bill 141 has been signed by the governor and will take effect on July 1.

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDOSHS) is working hard to meet increased demand ahead of the May 7th REAL ID implementation date, while also clearing up common misconceptions about the process.

As of March 31st:

• 2,942,525 Tennesseans have already chosen to get a REAL ID
• 1,889,186 Tennesseans have chosen not to get a REAL ID
• 999,512 Tennesseans have not yet decided which credential they want to get

To help serve more customers, the Department has added Saturday appointments at select Driver Services Centers across the state.

“We know Tennesseans are busy, and we’re working hard to meet them where they are — even on weekends,” said Commissioner Jeff Long. 

REAL ID Is Optional

While REAL ID will be required for certain federal purposes — such as boarding domestic flights or entering some federal facilities — getting a REAL ID is optional.

Non-REAL ID licenses and IDs will still be valid for driving, purchasing alcohol or tobacco products, applying for federal benefits, voting, accessing hospitals, post offices, banks, and federal courts.

Tennesseans can apply for a REAL ID before or after May 7th, depending on their travel needs. If you have an upcoming flight, the Department encourages you to apply for a REAL ID at least 30 days before your trip, as it may take up to 20 business days to receive the hard copy by mail.

Common Myths About REAL ID:

Myth: Everyone must get a REAL ID.
Fact: A REAL ID is optional unless you plan to fly domestically or access certain federal facilities after May 7th.

Myth: You must apply by May 7th.
Fact: You can apply for a REAL ID at any time — before or after May 7th.

Myth: You cannot travel without a REAL ID after May 7th.
Fact: You can still use a valid U.S. passport or other federally approved identification to fly.

Myth: You must have the new card design to have a REAL ID.
Fact: Both the new black-star and older gold-star REAL IDs are valid until their expiration dates.

Myth: Getting a REAL ID is complicated or expensive.
Fact: The cost for a REAL ID is the same as a standard driver license if you are renewing — $28.00. If you obtain a REAL ID outside of your renewal period, a small duplication fee applies ($8 or $12, depending on license class). Pre-approving your documents online can save time during your visit.

“Our teams across the state are hearing a lot of questions and seeing a lot of people who aren’t sure if they even need a REAL ID,” said Assistant Commissioner Russell Shoup, who oversees Driver Services. “We want Tennesseans to know that if you don’t plan to fly or visit certain federal buildings, your current license is still perfectly valid. We’re here to help answer questions and make this process as smooth as possible.”

Helpful Tips:

If you need a REAL ID, consider visiting a neighboring Driver Services Center that may have shorter wait times.

Pre-approve your required documents at tnrealid.gov before your visit to speed up processing and avoid multiple trips.

For reliable information and to start the pre-approval process, visit tnrealid.gov.

Animal shelters across Tennessee are invited to apply for funding that supports spay and neuter services. The application window remains open until May 16, 2025.

“Making spay and neuter services more accessible benefits both pets and the community,” State Veterinarian Samantha Beaty, D.V.M. said. “By reducing the number litters of unwanted dogs and cats, we ease the burden on shelters while promoting healthier, longer lives for pets.”

The Animal Friendly grants initiative, managed by the Animal Health Division of the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, is supported by proceeds from the sale of the “Animal Friendly – Spay and Neuter Saves Lives” specialty license plates. Each $35 plate sold contributes funds that go toward grants for municipal shelters and nonprofit groups throughout Tennessee that provide low-cost spay and neuter services.

Funding distribution is based on the impact of an organization’s services, including the number of animals treated and the geographic areas covered. Priority is given to shelters and groups serving distressed counties. Grant funds must be used exclusively for spay and neuter procedures, performed by licensed veterinarians within Tennessee.

The application for qualified shelters and organizations can be found at www.tn.gov/agriculture/animals/veterinary-resources/spay—neuter-resources.html.

Email animal.friendlygrants@tn.gov or call 615-837-5120 with questions.

Tennessee residents who are registering or renewing motor vehicle registration may purchase “Animal Friendly – Spay and Neuter Saves Lives”plates online, in person, by mail, or via the free MyTN mobile app. Find out more at the Tennessee Department of Revenue at www.tn.gov/revenue/title-and-registration/renewals.html.

Governor Bill Lee marked the close of the 2025 legislative session, which includes the successful passage of his $59.5 billion budget that invests in innovative approaches to serving Tennesseans.

“We’ve passed strategic legislative and budget measures to improve infrastructure, invest in education, strengthen our workforce, and solidify Tennessee’s position as a leader in next-generation nuclear energy,” said Gov. Lee. “I thank the General Assembly for its partnership and continued commitment to responsible fiscal stewardship and innovation to improve the lives of the people we serve.” 

Lee’s agenda included passage of the Farmland Preservation Act to support Tennessee’s agriculture industry and ensure that family farms can be preserved well into the future. Notably, a total of 14 new Tennessee State Parks have been funded under Gov. Lee’s leadership, setting the Tennessee record for the most state parks created by one administration.

The roster of the budget and legislative priorities also dedicated $1 billion to the Tennessee Department of Transportation to address the state’s infrastructure needs in rural and urban communities and included significant investments in K-12 education, Tennessee’s nuclear energy ecosystem and conservation.

The FY25-26 budget took steps to further enhance government efficiency by reducing more than 300 vacant positions from the State’s payroll.

Highlights from Lee’s agenda include the following:

Economic Opportunity + Tax Relief

·        $35.6 million investment in Tennessee’s Rainy Day Fund, bringing Tennessee reserves to nearly $2.2 billion, the largest in state history

·        $7 million to expand the Tennessee Youth Employment Program to operate year-round, double its participation, and reach even more underserved communities

·        $45.8 million for Rural Development Grant Fund to enhance Tennessee’s rural and distressed communities through site development, community asset improvements, strategic planning and downtown revitalization

·        $25 million for FastTrack grants to recruit new business to Tennessee and support workforce development

·        $6.3 million to create a statewide Micro-Credentialing Program to develop short-term, targeted certifications that equip Tennesseans with high-demand skills identified by industry and state partners

·        $25 million to expand the RevV Program to connect private companies with Tennessee’s research institutions to drive research and development and job creation

·        $5 million to create TN Accelerates, a partnership between Tennessee Economic and Community Development and the Department of Labor and Workforce to create customized workforce training programs tailored to the specific needs of incoming and existing businesses

·        $5 million for the Tennessee Entertainment Commission to fund incentive grants to strengthen Tennessee’s music and film industry

·        $10 million for the Rural Grant Opportunity Fund to match funding for at-risk and distressed counties seeking state and federal grants

·        $10 million for the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Matching Funds to match federal funds assisting Tennessee startups in securing competitive research and development grants

Infrastructure

·        $1 billion to the Tennessee Department of Transportation to address the state’s infrastructure needs, including expediting existing road projects and funding new projects across rural and urban Tennessee

·        $60 million for maintenance projects at Tennessee’s commercial and general aviation airports

Disaster Relief

During the special legislative session in January 2025, Gov. Lee and the General Assembly appropriated more than $450 million in direct disaster relief as part of a comprehensive plan to support ongoing recovery efforts and allow for proactive preparation for future emergencies. Gov. Lee’s FY25-26 budget includes the following additional investments:

·        $275 million to construct a state-of-the-art TEMA Emergency Operations Center

·        $4 million to implement and maintain a Mesonet system, which will monitor weather-related and flooding threats in the state

·        $3 million to upgrade TEMA’s regional response vehicles

Education

During the special legislative session in January 2025, Gov. Lee and the General Assembly appropriated $198.4 million for teacher bonuses and $62.7 million for K-12 infrastructure and facilities funding. Gov. Lee’s FY25-26 budget includes the following additional investments:

Public Education Investments

·        $244 million to strengthen education through the Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement (TISA) formula growth, including teacher pay raises

·        $27.3 million for summer learning programs to support students between school years

·        $25 million further investment in the Fast Growth Fund, to support fast-growing districts

·        $20 million for School Safety Grant Fund

·        $10 million to provide paid parental leave for Local Educational Agency employees

Higher Education

·        $52.8 million to fully fund the outcomes-based funding formula, which may be used for program improvements that assist higher education institutions in meeting outcomes including student progression, degree production, research and service, efficiency metrics, and other measures related to institutional mission

·        $2.27 million to develop Tennessee Board of Regents’ Center for Workforce Development to expand workforce training for businesses and industries, including specialized onboarding and apprenticeship programs, in partnership with TN Accelerates

·        $2 million to create a common application system for Tennessee’s community colleges, streamline student transfer, and implement a statewide customer relationship management system to enhance student outreach and support

·        $119 million for additions and renovations to Middle Tennessee State University’s Murphy Center

·        $199 million for the construction of a new chemistry building at University of Tennessee Knoxville

·        $75 million to modernize research and laboratory space at the University of Memphis

·        $37.5 million to construct a new Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) in Robertson County

Strong + Healthy Families

·        $95.5 million utilizing Shared Savings to enhance long term care services and supports for older adults and people living with disabilities

·        $41 million to support the Department of Children’s Services (DCS) with placement of children within the provider network

·        $7.2 million to expand the WAGE$ Program and reduce turnover in Tennessee’s childcare workforce by increasing pay and rewarding greater education

·        $5.9 million to cover childcare for more working families through an expansion of the Smart Steps Child Care Program and ease the benefits cliff

·        $24 million to continue a Department of Health pilot program to address unmet dental service needs and increase the number of dentists in Tennessee

·        $11.8 million to reduce waitlists in the OPTIONS and Senior Nutrition programs

·        $10.9 million to expand programming at the Boys & Girls Club of Tennessee

·        $5 million to increase bed capacity at the Middle Tennessee Regional Mental Health Institute

·        $3 million for a partnership between Department of Children’s Services (DCS) and Department of Disability and Aging (DDA) to provide additional support services for children in DCS care with intellectual and developmental disabilities

·        $10 million for mental health infrastructure grants

Safe Neighborhoods

During the special legislative session in January 2025, Gov. Lee and the General Assembly passed a robust legislative agenda and appropriated $5 million to prepare Tennessee to assist in implementation of the Trump Administration’s illegal immigration policies. Gov. Lee’s FY25-26 budget includes the following additional public safety investments:

·        $100 million to establish Downtown Public Safety Grants to increase public safety in downtown areas with businesses and commercial activity 

·        $75 million further investment in the Violent Crime Intervention Fund to support local law enforcement and local jurisdictions through grants to fund evidence-based strategies to improve public safety

·        $38 million in funding for an additional 117 State Troopers and related support staff to improve public safety across the state

·        $5 million to further expand the Statewide School Resource Officer (SRO) Program Grant, which places SROs in each K-12 public school and public charter school in Tennessee

·        $3.7 million in funding for an additional 22 TBI positions to support victim services, intelligence analysis, aviation, security, Medicaid fraud enforcement, and administration

·        $1.3 million in additional funding for Houses of Worship Security Grants

Conservation

·        $62.2 million to execute a comprehensive regional water resource plan to ensure long-term water needs are met while protecting the ecological health of the Duck River

·        $52 million to create five new Tennessee State Parks, marking a total of 14 new, accessible state parks created under Gov. Lee’s leadership, setting the Tennessee record for the most state parks created by one administration

·        $6.2 million to address maintenance needs at Tennessee State Parks, preventing a backlog of deferred maintenance

·        $40 million for environmental cleanup, including creation of a comprehensive water resource management plan in the Duck River region, state water revolving fund projects and electric grid enhancement

·        $12 million to establish the Alexander Institute for Environmental Education and the Sciences to offer environmental learning programming focused on his passion for land conservation, the environment, and STEM education

·        $1.4 million further investment in the Institute of American Civics (IAC) at the University of Tennessee to expand curriculum development to support state social studies standards and expanding IAC’s Civics Academy for K-12 teachers

Agriculture

·        $25 million to create a Farmland Conservation Fund

·        $20 million in additional funding for the Agricultural Enterprise Fund and Agricultural Enhancement Fund, both of which are utilized to aid Tennesseans in creating and expanding agricultural, food and forestry businesses and make long-term strategic investments in rural communities

Energy

·        $50 million to create the Small Modular Reactor (SMR) Grant Fund to support Tennessee Valley Authority’s Clinch River Nuclear SMR project to position Tennessee as a leader in next-generation nuclear energy

·        $10 million further investment in the Nuclear Energy Fund to attract advanced nuclear technology companies

·        $2.6 million to develop the nation’s first regulatory framework for commercial nuclear fusion power

·        $10 million further investment in Governor’s Investment in Vocational Education (GIVE) to support nuclear workforce education, as recommended by the Nuclear Energy Advisory Council

·        $20 million for the Federal Grant Matching Fund, to support proposals from Tennessee universities and businesses applying for research funding from federal agencies like the National Science Foundation and Department of Energy

DTC Communications is pleased to announce the appointment of Kasey Krueger as the new Chief Executive Officer of the cooperative. With over a decade of senior leadership experience in the telecommunications industry, Krueger most recently served as Assistant CEO at Pioneer Communications in Ulysses, Kansas. His previous roles included Director of Marketing and Chief Customer Officer. He earned dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Management and Marketing from Kansas State University and a Master of Business Administration from Kansas Wesleyan University. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Krueger actively serves on various community, economic development, and telecommunications industry boards.

“I am excited to join the DTC family and am eager to connect with the employees and the communities we serve,” Krueger said. “DTC Communications has an established history of serving its members well, and that comes down to a dedicated Board of Directors and employees that care about their neighbors.”

Joining Krueger are his wife, Michelle, a former preschool teacher, their daughter Arrow, and son Hayes. With a lifelong commitment to cooperatives, he has a strong understanding of a member-focused business model and a deep appreciation for the cooperative spirit. “The DTC Board of Directors and leadership team have established a strong vision, and I look forward to continuing the great work that DTC has been doing,” Krueger said. “I am proud to have the opportunity to lead DTC into the future.”

“Krueger’s exceptional qualifications, strong leadership, and industry knowledge make him a tremendous asset to DTC,” said Bennie Curtis, DTC Board President. “His strategic vision and experience will be instrumental in guiding DTC’s continued growth and success while upholding our dedication to our members.”

The Tennessee Department of Health has confirmed two additional confirmed cases of measles in middle Tennessee. Both persons are currently recovering at home.

This brings Tennessee’s total to six confirmed cases of measles during 2025.

Both confirmed cases were cooperating with public health officials by quarantining at home because of known exposure to previously confirmed cases in Tennessee. TDH is not currently aware of additional exposures related to the newly confirmed cases. There is no evidence of sustained measles transmission in the community or state.

As an update, there is an ongoing, national measles outbreak, involving over 700 cases in 25 states, with two confirmed fatalities in the U.S.

Measles typically has a classic red, spotty rash that begins on the face and spreads over the body. Additional symptoms can include fever, headache, and generally not feeling well, followed by rash, cough, red eyes, or congestion.

Measles is a highly infectious and potentially fatal disease which spreads very easily through the air when an infected person speaks, coughs or sneezes.

TDH encourages consultation with your medical provider about measles prevention. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are highly effective at preventing measles.

More information for the public and for providers about measles is available on this page of the TDH website (tn.gov/health/cedep/reportable-diseases/measles-rubeola.html).

It is important for medical providers to consider measles and report suspected cases immediately to TDH at 615-741-7247.

The mission of the Tennessee Department of Health, tn.gov/health, is to protect, promote, and improve the health and well-being of all people in Tennessee.

The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) will suspend all interstate construction work on Easter weekend in anticipation of increased holiday travel.

TDOT crews and contractors will stop all road construction work that requires lane closures beginning Thursday, April 17, at 6:00 p.m. through Monday, April 21, at 6:00 a.m. This will provide maximum roadway capacity to motorists expected to travel across the state this upcoming holiday weekend.

Motorists will still encounter some long-term lane closures on construction projects that will remain in place. While lane closure activity will be stopped, some workers may be on-site in construction zones, and reduced speed limits will still be in effect. Motorists are urged to adhere to all posted speed limits, especially in work zones, for their safety. Slower speeds are necessary for work zones due to the temporary layout of the roadway and will be enforced. Please also move over and slow down for HELP Units and other first responders assisting motorists.

Only four months into the year, there have already been 31 incidents involving drivers crashing into TDOT vehicles and equipment.

• 7 HELP Trucks
• 3 Attenuators
• 6 Other TDOT Equipment (dump trucks, message boards, etc.)
• 15 TDOT Passenger vehicles (pick-ups and sedans)

Do your part to keep yourself and TDOT road workers safe – check TDOT SmartWay in advance and Know BEFORE You Go, secure your phone in a Hands-Free device, and Work With Us by moving over and slowing down when you see vehicles with flashing lights.  

The Cannon County Democratic Party will hold a Reorganization Convention to elect new leaders on Thursday, April 17th. The meeting will take place in the Adams Building, located at 301 West Main Street in Woodbury. Doors open for registration at 6:00 pm and the convention officially starts at 6:30 pm.

Local Democrats will elect a Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer and the Executive Committee members from the five County Commission districts of the county for a two-year term. All Democrats who are residents of and who are registered voters of Cannon County are urged to attend to discuss the party’s agenda and events for 2025-2026. During the Convention the voting delegation will adopt County Party bylaws and elect new leadership.

The County Party Reorganization Convention welcomes all Cannon County Democrats.  Attendees should arrive early to complete credentialing forms and be admitted to the convention prior to 6:30 pm when the meeting will begin.

The Tennessee State Legislature has approved a resolution declaring 9-1-1 dispatchers as First Responders.

The resolution acknowledges the critical role the dispatchers play in being the first line of communications for people needing assistance.

Governor Lee signed the bill into law Tuesday.

Last month the Cannon County Commission passed a resolution to elevate the Public Safety Telecommunicators at Cannon County 911 Emergency Communications District to First Responder status.

This is National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week.  National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week (NPSTW) is held annually during the second week of April to honor public safety telecommunicators for their commitment, service, and sacrifice.

The Internal Revenue Service announced today tax relief for individuals and businesses in the entire state of Tennessee affected by severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding that began on April 2, 2025.

These taxpayers now have until November 3, 2025, to file various federal individual and business tax returns and make tax payments. Tennessee is one of several states to have the extension granted.

The IRS is offering relief to any area designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This means that individuals and households that reside or have a business in Tennessee’s 95 counties qualify for tax relief.

The current list of eligible localities is always available on the Tax relief in disaster situations page on IRS.gov.