New Year, New Laws
January 1, 2018, brings in the new year and new laws as passed by the Tennessee Legislature. It’s a new year, new laws.
Barber, Bus Drivers & Alarms
Barbers may now perform their services in a residence. Before 2018, barbers could only render their services in a residence for a person who was ill. However, barbers must possess a residential barber certificate to work in or out of a home.
A few changes take effect regarding school bus drivers. Beginning in 2018, school bus drivers must be at least twenty-five years old, and all new bus drivers must complete a training program before transporting any children. The changes also create a transportation supervisor program for monitoring and supervising local and charter school transportation.
Homeowners Alarm Contracts
Homeowners may cancel alarm contracts for periods longer than two (2) years upon giving thirty (30) days’ notice to an alarm company if the homeowner has to sell their home for medical reasons. However, the cancellation must come after the initial two (2) year period, and the cancellation must include a letter from the homeowner’s treating physician explaining that the house must be sold and the alarm system canceled due to medical reasons.
Handguns, Headlights, & Cell Phones
Individuals seeking handgun carry permits may be exempted from the firing range qualification component if they have proof they passed small arms qualification or combat pistol training in any branch of the United States Armed Forces.
For motor vehicles, headlights must be either white or amber. It seems most standard passenger vehicles will comply with this law. However, drivers may not modify their vehicle headlights to colors other than white or amber.
Hand Held Phone Usage in Cars
Most importantly, 2018 brings new penalties for cell phone usage in school zones. Drivers using or talking on a handheld cell phone in a marked school zone when flashers are operating can be prosecuted for a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a $50 fine.
Learn more information about the new laws taking effect January 1, 2018.
If you have a legal issue, contact the attorneys at Kane & Crowell Family Law Center at (615) 784-4800.