Tennessee · 114th Regular Session (2025-2026) · Bill

HB 562: State Government - As introduced, prohibits a person, political subdivision, or public official, in connection with a state emergency, from categorizing or proclaiming by order, rule, or regulation that a lawful occupation is non-essential, or otherwise proclaiming by order, rule, or regulation that a lawful occupation is prohibited from operating based on what the lawful occupation is; specifies that a person harmed by a violation of the prohibition may bring a civil action for actual damages or declaratory relief. - Amends TCA Title 58, Chapter 2.

In committee Last action April 23, 2026: Held on desk.

Plain-language summary

HB 562 is a bill introduced in the Tennessee House on January 29, 2025. According to its official title, it concerns: State Government - As introduced, prohibits a person, political subdivision, or public official, in connection with a state emergency, from categorizing or proclaiming by order, rule, or regulation that a lawful occupation is non-essential, or otherwise proclaiming by order, rule, or regulation that a lawful occupation is prohibited from operating based on what the lawful occupation is; specifies that a person harmed by a violation of the prohibition may bring a civil action for actual damages or declaratory relief. - Amends TCA Title 58, Chapter 2. Primary sponsor: Monty Fritts (Republican). Most recent recorded action (April 23, 2026): Held on desk.

Sponsors

Primary sponsor: Monty Fritts (Republican).