While Tennesseans are getting ready for a jump at the pump as the state enacts a four-cent-per-gallon gas tax increase, there are 132 other laws also going into effect on July 1.
1. Gas Tax Increase
Starting Saturday, Tennessee drivers can expect to pay 4¢ more per gallon of gasoline. After months of debate, discussions and closed-door deals, the state Senate and House both approved the first gas tax hike in more than three decades. Governor Bill Haslam proposed the tax increase in January.
After the initial 4¢ increase in 2017, the gas tax would increase an additional cent per year for the next two years, bringing the total increase to 6¢ in 2019.
The gas tax debate exposed deep divisions among House Republicans. A number of them supported an alternative plan from Rep. David Hawk that would have raised transportation funding by pulling money from the sales tax on vehicles instead.
The additional 4¢ per gallon was expected to raise more than $378 million per year for transportation projects across the state. Visit the Tennessee Department of Transportation for info about projects in your area.
- Governor Haslam proposes gas tax increase; grocery tax decrease
- Gas tax plan approved by House, Senate
- I-440 repairs part of TDOT improvement plan after gas tax increase
2. HOAs Can't Ban U.S. Flags
Another law passed said homeowners associations - or HOAs - cannot ban property owners from putting up an American flag, or a flag of the U.S. Armed Forces.
- Learn the correct way to display the American flag
- Boy Scouts place flags at veterans' graves
- Why we celebrate Flag Day
3. Fines For Protestors Blocking Roads, Emergency Responders
After seeing rallies across Tennessee in the past year, legislators also wrote up a bill to protect emergency workers. Starting on Saturday, you can be fined $200 for blocking a road for any reason, getting in the way of police, fire crews or paramedics responding to a call.
4. Purple Paint = No Trespassing
What does purple paint have to do with a "No Trespassing" sign? Starting Saturday, they'll mean the same thing. Property owners who don't want people on their property can either use posted signs to warn people, or use "purple paint marks on trees or posts on the property."
For a complete list of the 133 laws going into effect on July 1, click here.
