All Roll Calls
Yes: 128 • No: 0
TennesseeSB 2509114th General Assembly (2025-2026)Senate
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 13, Chapter 7 and Title 71, Chapter 3, relative to childcare agencies.
Sponsored By: Sponsor information unavailable
Signed by Governor
Children
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Faster local permits for child care
Beginning July 1, 2026, cities and counties must fast‑track child care permits. A complete application is assigned within 5 business days, checked for completeness within 10 business days, and gets a final decision within 90 calendar days. If no decision comes in 90 days and you did not agree to extend, the permit is approved once the required fire safety inspection is passed. Conditional use permits for child care must be processed within 60 days and get the same priority as affordable housing.
Easier zoning for child care sites
Beginning July 1, 2026, child care is allowed by right in zones that allow office, commercial, industrial, or institutional uses. Home-based child care is allowed in residential areas. Local governments cannot set tougher rules on child care than on similar uses, and a licensed provider that does not materially expand the building footprint does not need a zoning variance. Employers may run on-site child care as an accessory use. Locals may set reasonable, non‑conflicting conditions on traffic, parking, hours, outdoor play safety, and building and fire measures.
One-stop state fire checks in 30 days
Starting July 1, 2026, only the State Fire Marshal handles child care fire safety inspections for licensing and renewals. Inspections must be scheduled and finished within 30 calendar days of a request, with one consolidated report; any local participation must occur at the same time. The marshal posts a binding safety checklist, adopts uniform statewide standards, and may set rules to reduce burden and make reviews consistent. Locals cannot add stricter fire rules unless a site risk is documented and the state approves, and they cannot duplicate state licensing fire checks. A single inspection fee may be charged, and it cannot be more than the actual cost.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsors
There is no primary sponsor on record.
Cosponsors
Raumesh Akbari
Democrat • Senate
Heidi Campbell
Democrat • Senate
London Lamar
Democrat • Senate
Jeff Yarbro
Democrat • Senate
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 4/21/2026
FLOOR VOTE: REGULAR CALENDAR PASSAGE ON THIRD CONSIDERATION 4/21/2026
Yes: 88 • No: 0
Senate vote • 4/2/2026
FLOOR VOTE: as Amended Third Consideration 4/2/2026
Yes: 32 • No: 0
Senate vote • 3/18/2026
SENATE HEALTH AND WELFARE COMMITTEE
Yes: 8 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Effective date(s) 05/19/2026, 07/01/2026
5/27/2026Pub. Ch. 980
5/27/2026Signed by Governor.
5/19/2026SenateTransmitted to Governor for action.
5/11/2026SenateSigned by H. Speaker
5/7/2026HouseSigned by Senate Speaker
4/30/2026SenateEnrolled and ready for signatures
4/29/2026SenatePassed H., Ayes 88, Nays 0, PNV 0
4/21/2026HouseAm. withdrawn. (Amendment 1 - HA0807)
4/21/2026HouseSubst. for comp. HB.
4/21/2026HouseRcvd. from S., held on H. desk.
4/6/2026HouseSponsor(s) Added.
4/2/2026SenateEngrossed; ready for transmission to House
4/2/2026SenatePassed Senate as amended, Ayes 32, Nays 0
4/2/2026SenateSenate adopted Amendment (Amendment 1 - SA0780)
4/2/2026SenatePlaced on Senate Regular Calendar for 4/2/2026
3/31/2026SenateRecommended for passage with amendment/s, refer to Senate Calendar Committee Ayes 8, Nays 0 PNV 0
3/18/2026SenatePlaced on Senate Health and Welfare Committee calendar for 3/18/2026
3/17/2026SenateAction deferred in Senate Health and Welfare Committee to 3/18/2026
3/17/2026SenatePlaced on Senate Health and Welfare Committee calendar for 3/17/2026
3/11/2026SenateAction deferred in Senate Health and Welfare Committee to 3/18/2026
3/4/2026SenateSponsor(s) Added.
3/2/2026SenatePlaced on Senate Health and Welfare Committee calendar for 3/4/2026
2/25/2026SenatePassed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Health and Welfare Committee
2/5/2026SenateIntroduced, Passed on First Consideration
2/2/2026Senate
Bill Text
Enrolled / Public Chapter
Fiscal Note
HA0807
Introduced
SA0780
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