NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Tuesday, July 1, a number of laws passed by the Tennessee General Assembly in recent years take full effect.
From allowing online boating license exams to increasing the penalties for drunk driving to combatting AI-generated deepfakes, these are some of the laws set to be fully enforced as of July 1.
Good Samaritan Law Expansion
House Bill 995 by State Rep. Iris Rudder (R-Winchester) extends the immunity provisions for persons seeking medical care for themselves or others in the event of a suspected alcohol overdose. Tennessee already has a Good Samaritan provision for those experiencing a suspected drug overdose who seek medical attention. This law allows for alcohol-related misdemeanors like public intoxication and those drinking under the age of 21 to be covered under the Good Samaritan provision.
Read the latest from the TN State Capitol Newsroom
The law was inspired by a constituent of Rudder’s who lost her 18-year-old brother to an alcohol overdose at a party. According to House Republicans, the teen’s friends were afraid they would get in legal trouble if they called for help for him since they were under the legal drinking age.
Online boating license exams
House Bill 530 by State Rep. Rick Eldridge (R-Morristown) allows Tennessee citizens to take their boating safety exam online by eliminating the current monitoring requirement. Previously, citizens were required to take the exam in-person under the supervision of a proctor.
Part of the new law allows for online testing access for those in rural areas, and also provides working individuals a “flexible solution” if they work during standard business hours, according to a spokesman for the House Republican caucus.
Tackling ‘unfair billing’
House Bill 141 by Rep. Michael Hale (R-Smithville) aims to protect consumers from excessive charges when canceling service contracts for cable, internet or phone plans. The bill prohibits service providers from billing customers for an extra billing cycle if the contract is canceled during the first half of the cycle…