A few new laws will go into effect starting January 1, 2024, in Tennessee.

The first will require a GPS tracking divide on breathalyzers installed on cars owned by people convicted of a DUI. The devices can tag the location every time the car is started, when it randomly requires a breathalyzer, and when a test is skipped.

A law will require licensed pharmacists to inspect drug take-back donations before they are dispensed and require pharmacists to store them in a secure area.

Another new law will require the Department of Children’s Services to make sure children in juvenile detention facilities and youth development centers can access chaplain services.

Abrial’s Law will prohibit a parent from being penalized for making a complaint about domestic violence or child abuse while involved in child custody hearings. It will also prevent the removal of a child from one parent to another with a “deficient relationship” when they have been accused of abuse.

The Tennessee Paid Family Leave Insurance Act will go into effect on January 1, 2024. It amends the current code to allow insurance companies to offer paid family leave, which employers could then purchase for their employees. The insurance is voluntary, and the new law does not guarantee paid family leave for any Tennesseans. Sponsors of the legislation argued that paid family leave insurance could offset costs for employers. The law applies to an insurance policy for benefit programs that pay all or some costs related to:

• The birth or adoption of a child by the employee;
• Placement of a child with the employee for foster care;
• Care of a family member of the employee who has a serious health condition; or
• The status of a family member of the employee who is a service member on active duty or who has been notified of an impending call or order to active duty.

Another new law will increase penalties for distracted driving, upping the penalty points drivers face if caught using a phone or similar device while driving. For drivers 18 and younger, a second violation of the law, known as the Eddie Conrad Act, will result in seven points being charged to their driving record. For adult drivers over 18, the first and second violations of the law will carry a four-point penalty, with a five-point penalty going toward the third and subsequent violations. Per existing state law, juvenile drivers who accumulate six points to their record in 12 months must attend an administrative hearing or risk a suspended license. Adult drivers must attend a hearing after accumulating 12 points or more.