NASHVILLE, TN – As Tennessee counts down the final hours of 2025, the Volunteer State is preparing for a wave of new laws that officially take effect the moment the calendar flips to 2026. Some of these changes are technical, but several will touch the daily lives of thousands of Tennesseans. WGNS has taken a close look at the legislation, and a few stand out as especially significant for residents across Rutherford County and beyond.
One of the most far‑reaching changes is the creation of the Domestic Violence Offender Registry, known as Savanna’s Law. Beginning January 1, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation will maintain a public registry of repeat domestic‑violence offenders, complete with names, birthdates, conviction details, and photos. Supporters say the new system gives victims and communities better access to safety information.
Another major shift arrives through the Ink of Hope Act, which requires every tattoo artist in Tennessee to complete a one‑hour human‑trafficking intervention course before renewing or applying for a license. With tattooing now a booming industry across Middle Tennessee, this law affects thousands…