New Legislation Proposed in Tennessee

Tennessee legislators discuss bills on school nutrition, religious displays, and gender-affirming care

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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New legislation is being proposed in the Tennessee legislature, including bills that would ban certain food dyes in schools, allow the display of religious and historical documents in public schools, and restrict gender-affirming care for minors. Two state representatives, one Democrat and one Republican, provide their perspectives on the proposed bills.

Why it matters

These legislative proposals touch on a range of contentious issues in Tennessee, from education policy to healthcare to religious expression. The bills highlight the ongoing political debates in the state and could have significant impacts on students, families, and healthcare providers if enacted.

The details

Senate Bill 2423 would ban the use of red 40 dye and other petroleum-based synthetic colors in food sold or provided to students through school nutrition programs. Democratic Rep. Gloria Johnson opposes the bill, arguing the studies used to justify it were done on mice, not children. Senate Bill 0303 would allow local school boards to display historical and religious documents like the Ten Commandments, Declaration of Independence, and U.S. Constitution. Rep. Johnson criticizes this as sending a "contradiction" to students, while Republican Rep. Chris Todd says it simply clarifies schools' ability to do so. Senate Bill 2031 would essentially allow lawsuits against pediatricians who provide gender-affirming care, which Rep. Johnson opposes as inappropriate government interference in healthcare decisions.

  • Senate Bill 2423 passed the state Senate on Monday.
  • Senate Bill 0303 is currently being considered by the legislature.

The players

Rep. Gloria Johnson

A Democratic member of the Tennessee House of Representatives representing District 90.

Rep. Chris Todd

A Republican member of the Tennessee House of Representatives representing District 73.

Senate Bill 2423

Legislation that would ban the use of red 40 dye and other petroleum-based synthetic colors in food sold or provided to students through school nutrition programs in Tennessee.

Senate Bill 0303

Legislation that would allow local school boards and governing bodies in Tennessee to display historical and religious documents like the Ten Commandments, Declaration of Independence, and U.S. Constitution.

Senate Bill 2031

Legislation that would essentially allow lawsuits against pediatricians who provide gender-affirming care to minors in Tennessee.

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What they’re saying

“The studies that were done used massive amounts of red dye on mice. They're not studies that are used on kids, and I'm not saying that these dyes couldn't cause something, but for me there are so many other things that we need to be concerned with in our schools.”

— Rep. Gloria Johnson, Tennessee State Representative (District 90) (wbbjtv.com)

“I think we're just clarifying in state law that our LEA's have the ability to display that if they want to. It's a permissive bill that doesn't require them to if I understand it, but it will certainly clarify that they're able to do this.”

— Rep. Chris Todd, Tennessee State Representative (District 73) (wbbjtv.com)

“The idea that you're going to put the ten commandments on the wall at a school right next to the constitution that says not to put The Ten Commandments on the wall is sending a contradiction to our children.”

— Rep. Gloria Johnson (wbbjtv.com)

“I do not believe that we need to be legislating healthcare. We need to let the doctors decide what treatments young people need.”

— Rep. Gloria Johnson (wbbjtv.com)

“I believe that we must protect life at all stages however I'm not in favor of criminalizing women that have abortions certainly those that may facilitate those abortions. For us in Tennessee, we're going to make sure it's the best place to protect your freedoms, liberties, and your civil rights. We're going to make sure it's the best place to raise a family.”

— Rep. Chris Todd (wbbjtv.com)

What’s next

The proposed bills will continue to move through the Tennessee legislature, with upcoming votes and debates expected on the various pieces of legislation.

The takeaway

These legislative proposals in Tennessee highlight the ongoing political debates around education policy, healthcare, and religious expression in the state. The bills could have significant impacts on students, families, and healthcare providers if enacted, underscoring the importance of closely following the progress of this legislation.