A host of new laws are in effect as Tennessee starts the first business day of the new year. One of the most discussed is a measure that allows applicants to obtain a gun permit via online training. The previous law required in person training on the use of a firearm.
Another new law allows additional penalties for involving elder care in the state. If an older person dies as a result of gross neglect, prosecutors will be able to bring felony murder charges against someone involved.
The so-called “Right to Shop” law on health care requires health insurance companies to disclose the amounts they will pay for services upfront, so people will have better knowledge of their out-of-pocket costs. Also in the area of health care, any prescription for opioids must be sent electronically from the doctor to the pharmacy. The measure also gives pharmacies a year to update their software to be compliant with the new law.
Other new laws affect items such as the operation of horse-drawn vehicles on state roadways, and another governing whether an employer-employee relationship exists in some arrangements.