New Month, New Laws: What’s Changing in Tennessee on July 1

Issue #483

July 01, 2025

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🌦️ Columbia’s Weather - Cloudy with a few showers, high of 84 & low of 66

📰 New Month, New Laws: What’s Changing in Tennessee on July 1

📰 Spring Hill Educator Named Teacher of the Year

🇺🇸 July 4th Festivities in Downtown Nashville

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

👉 Your Guide to Summer Camps & Kids Activities in July! 

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

New Month, New Laws: What’s Changing in Tennessee on July 1

July 1 marks more than just the start of a new month in Tennessee—it brings with it 177 new state laws covering everything from education and public safety to transportation and criminal justice. While some have stirred up debate, others focus on everyday improvements across the state.

Here are a few of the most notable laws going into effect:

More Time for Recess in Elementary Schools

Tennessee is boosting daily physical activity for young students. Elementary schools will now be required to provide at least 40 minutes of unstructured playtime each school day—more than double the previous minimum of 15 minutes.

Cell Phones Out of the Classroom

School districts must now implement policies banning the use of cell phones and internet-connected devices during class unless used for instruction. This effort is aimed at reducing distraction and improving student focus.

Stricter Penalties for Bullying

Judges now have the authority to revoke or delay the issuance of a driver’s license for students convicted of bullying or cyberbullying. Youth who don’t yet have a license could face a delay of up to one year before they’re eligible to obtain one.

Laser Pointers Targeted

A new law makes it a crime to aim a laser pointer at a moving vehicle, boat, or aircraft. Previously, this was only an offense if directed at law enforcement or emergency responders.

No Abortion Pills by Mail

Under a new statute, wrongful death claims can now be filed if someone undergoes a medication-induced abortion using pills like Mifepristone or Misoprostol that were mailed to them.

Expanding Overdose Protections

Tennessee’s Good Samaritan law has been extended to include alcohol overdoses. Individuals who seek medical help for someone experiencing an alcohol-related emergency will now receive the same legal protections as those assisting in drug overdose situations.

Tougher Rules on Threats of Mass Violence

Making threats against schools, government buildings, places of worship, or large public events will carry stiffer penalties starting July 1. The law strengthens existing measures meant to deter such threats.

New Limits on Protest Activities

To prevent disruptions by extremist groups or unsafe gatherings, new protest-related laws ban unauthorized banners on highways, restrict transporting people in box trucks for protests, and allow officers to move back crowds by at least 25 feet. Additional offenses apply if protests block traffic or cause crashes.

Bail Restrictions for Armed Defendants

Anyone charged with a violent crime involving a firearm or resulting in physical harm will face tougher release conditions while awaiting trial. These defendants will no longer be eligible for release on their own recognizance under the new law.

TDOT Gets a Funding Boost

Sales taxes collected from new tire purchases will now be directed to the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) instead of the general state fund. The change is expected to help accelerate road and traffic improvements.

Digital Vehicle Registration Now Accepted

Tennessee drivers will soon be able to show proof of vehicle registration on their phone when pulled over, eliminating the need to carry a printed copy in the car.

Controversial Immigration Law Sparks Pushback

One of the more contentious new laws makes it a felony to knowingly transport or conceal an undocumented immigrant from law enforcement, particularly if done for financial gain. While supporters say it's targeted at criminal networks, critics argue it could harm families and nonprofits. A lawsuit is currently underway to challenge its implementation.

Spring Hill Educator Named Teacher of the Year

Dr. Scott Johnson, who taught history at Spring Hill High School during the 2024-2025 school year, was awarded the 2025 Tennessee History Teacher of the Year at the high school level by the Tennessee Historical Society and National History Day. Dr. Johnson received the award and $500 in Nashville.

Dr. Johnson was then nominated for the 2025 National History Teacher Award. Each nominee demonstrates a commitment to engaging students in historical learning through the innovative use of primary sources, implementation of active learning strategies to foster historical thinking skills, and participation in the National History Day Contest.

“The Tennessee History Teacher Award is a testament to Dr. Johnson’s exceptional ability to inspire curiosity and foster a meaningful connection between students and the past,” said Maury County Public Schools Superintendent, Lisa Ventura. “Maury County Public Schools and the State of Tennessee are incredibly proud of Dr. Johnson and congratulate him for being honored with this prestigious award and recognition.” 

Dr. Johnson will teach history at Battle Creek High School and serve as the wrestling coach for the 2025-2026 school year.

July 4th Festivities in Downtown Nashville

Come celebrate Independence Day in 2025 at the FREE family-friendly event in Downtown Nashville. This Fourth of July will feature one of the largest fireworks shows in the country, with the pyrotechnics synchronized to a live performance by the GRAMMY-winning Nashville Symphony.

Multi-platinum Country superstar Dierks Bentley will headline July 4th in Nashville along with performances by Russell Dickerson, Niko Moon, Grace Bowers, Keesha Rainey, and more.

Kids will love the Amazon Family Fun Zone during Let Freedom Sing! Music City July 4th. It will be FREE and open to the public on July 4th. So make sure to stop by for some great fun before seeing the spectacular fireworks show.

This is the second year for a drone show to be incorporated, with 400 drones being added to the fireworks show. Sky Elements Drone Shows, who produce the drone show, is a thirteen-time Guinness World Record holder

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Tuesday, July 1st

Wednesday, July 2nd

Thursday, July 3rd

Friday, July 4th

Saturday, July 5th

Sunday, July 6th

📌 Mark Your Calendars…

July 12: Maury County Sheriff’s Rodeo
July 26: The Awaken House 1 Year Birthday Party
Aug 28 - Sept 1: Maury County Fair & Expo 

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Tuesday, July 1st

Justen Harden, Puckett’s, 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Songwriters Open Mic, Whiskey Alley, 6:00 - 9:00 PM

Wednesday, July 2nd

Austin Byrd, Puckett’s, 6:00 - 7:30 PM

Thursday, July 3rd

Songwriters Round w/ George Forbis, Faith Groves & Lillie Kolich, Puckett’s, 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Todd Ciprian, Tito’s Spring Hill, 6:00-9:00 PM
Second Chance Bluegrass, McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Friday, July 4th

Live Music, The Spot, 5:00 - 8:00 PM
Cross Bridges, Puckett’s, 7:30 - 9:00 PM 
Cord Martin, The Mulehouse, 7:30 PM
Kiersi Joli, Grinder’s Switch, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Saturday, July 5th

Cross Bridges, Amber Falls Winery, 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM
The Howlin Embers, Puckett’s, 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Domine, The Mulehouse, 8:00 PM 
Tom Saffell & Robert Johnson, McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Sunday, July 6th

Bronwen Fair, Amber Falls Winery, 1:00 - 5:00 PM
Little Secret, The Rebel Bar & Grill, 4:00 PM
Jay Hoppus, Puckett’s, 6:00 - 7:30 PM

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