Tennessee Senate Bill SB1638

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/13/26
• Engrossed: 3/23/26
• Enrolled: 3/24/26
• Passed: 4/7/26
• Chaptered: 4/23/26

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Chapter 1, Part 3, relative to state songs.

Summary

SB1638 amends Tennessee law governing state songs by adding a new official state song designation: "Tennessee" by Drew Holcomb. The bill updates Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Chapter 1, Part 3, which lists the state’s official symbols and songs. It does not create a regulatory program, funding mechanism, or enforcement scheme; rather, it formally recognizes an additional song as part of the state’s official repertoire. In practical terms, the bill changes the state’s symbolic law by expanding the list of officially designated state songs. The new subdivision added to Section 4-1-302 makes "Tennessee" by Drew Holcomb an official state song, which may affect how the song is used in ceremonial, educational, and governmental contexts. The act takes effect immediately upon becoming law.

Impact

The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 4-1-302, by adding a new official state song to the statutory list of state songs. Its legal impact is limited to the state’s symbolic and ceremonial statutes, with no direct effect on private parties, criminal law, taxation, or agency regulation. The main affected statute is Title 4, Chapter 1, Part 3, which governs state symbols.

Sentiment

The bill appears to have been broadly supported and noncontroversial. It received a unanimous 9-0 recommendation in the Senate State & Local Government Committee and then passed the floor by a 29-0 vote. The absence of committee transcript debate suggests the measure was treated as a straightforward recognition bill rather than a contested policy change.

Contention

There is little evidence of substantive contention around SB1638. The available voting record shows unanimous support in committee and on the floor, indicating no recorded opposition. Any discussion likely centered on the appropriateness of adding a new state song and the symbolic recognition of Drew Holcomb’s "Tennessee," but no specific objections or divided viewpoints are reflected in the provided materials.