NASHVILLE, Tenn.- On July 1st several new state laws went into effect, including one that requires new welfare applicants to go through a screening process.
The newest welfare law, which passed the Senate 24-9 and 73-17 in the House, requires new welfare applicants to go through a screening process and any new applicant suspected of drug use will be drug tested before benefits can be received.
Meanwhile, the sales tax on groceries is dropping from 5.5% to 5.25%. The new tax rate does not apply to prepared foods at restaurants, diet supplements, candy, alcohol, or tobacco.
A new law also makes it a felony to sell synthetic drugs like bath salts. Earlier this year the state banned the drug.
Students will no longer be allowed to wear saggy pants or any other clothing considered indecent on school grounds. Gov. Bill Haslam signed the measure in April and the legislation prohibits students from exposing "underwear or body parts in an indecent manner that disrupts the learning environment."
New TN Laws Taking Effect Thursday, July 1
