New State Laws to Take Effect on July 1 - Articles

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Posted by: Julia Wilburn on Jun 26, 2025

Several new state laws will take effect on July 1 that cover public safety, youth protections, health care, consumer rights and transportation, with several designed to address evolving concerns around substance abuse, road safety and emerging technologies. House Bill 995 expands Tennessee’s good Samaritan Law to offer legal immunity from certain alcohol-related misdemeanors — including underage drinking and public intoxication — for those who call 911 or assist someone in need. House Bill 72 imposes mandatory jail time and fines on anyone convicted of selling hemp-derived cannabinoid products — like THC gummies — to individuals under 21. Similarly, House Bill 751 increases penalties for exposing children to fentanyl, creating a felony offense for endangering a child in such a way. If the child is younger than 8 years old, the offense is upgraded to a Class B felony. The Tennessee Ledger looks at all the upcoming changes.