Tennessee Senate passes package of bills, creates Children's Digital Protection Fund

NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Senate on March 5 passed a series of bills on third and final consideration, moving measures that lawmakers said address child mental health, trust law updates, traffic fines tied to the hands-free driving law and more.

Leader Johnson moved a number of bills for final consideration and the chamber took recorded votes on several measures. Chairman Watson led debate and moved final passage of Senate Bill 2061, which creates the Children's Digital Protection Fund. "This bill creates the Children's Digital Protection Fund," Watson said, explaining that proceeds the state receives from litigation or settlements with digital companies would be reinvested "directly into protecting and restoring the mental health and safety of Tennessee's children." The legislation directs the Treasury to manage the fund; appropriation decisions remain with the General Assembly. The Senate approved the bill unanimously (31–0).

Other notable measures approved included:

- Senate Bill 15-91: A sponsor amendment revised the current $10 court-cost cap tied to the hands-free driving law to allow court costs up to 50% of standard court costs charged by the court for a traffic citation. Sponsor Sen. Hale said Tennessee averages about "12,000 convictions per year" under the hands-free law and that the change aligns costs with local court practice. Questions…