A number of new Tennessee laws will take effect July 1, bringing changes that affect employment agreements, criminal penalties, firearm rights, self-defense laws and the sale and possession of kratom.

One of the most significant changes for workers and employers involves noncompete agreements. Under House Bill 1034, non-compete agreements will be void and unenforceable for employees earning less than $70,000 annually. The law applies to agreements entered into, renewed or amended on or after July 1.

Supporters of the legislation say it will allow workers greater freedom to change jobs without fear of legal action from former employers. Employers may still use other contractual protections, such as confidentiality agreements and certain non-solicitation clauses.

Tennessee is also strengthening penalties for severe domestic violence offenses through Katherine’s Law. The legislation creates a new offense of aggravated domestic assault, classified as a Class B felony.

Under the law, aggravated domestic assault applies when an assault against a domestic abuse victim involves the use of a deadly weapon, strangulation, or results in serious bodily injury or death. The law was named in memory of a domestic violence victim and was championed as a measure to provide greater protections for victims and stronger consequences for offenders.

Changes are also coming to landlordtenant relationships. For residential lease agreements entered into, renewed or extended after July 1, landlords generally may not prohibit tenants from lawfully possessing, carrying, transporting or storing firearms, firearm components or ammunition inside their residence or in a vehicle parked on the property.

The new law expands protections for tenants who legally own firearms while limiting the ability of landlords to restrict those rights through lease agreements.

Another law broadens Tennessee’s self-defense statutes. Changes to property protection laws allow the use of deadly force under specific circumstances when an individual faces an imminent threat while attempting to prevent crimes such as burglary, arson or aggravated cruelty to animals.

Supporters say the measure provides additional legal protections for property owners and livestock owners confronting dangerous situations. Critics have expressed concerns that the law could expand the situations in which deadly force may be justified.

Perhaps the most far-reaching change for many Tennesseans is a statewide ban on kratom. Governor Bill Lee signed House Bill 1649, known as Matthew Davenport’s Law, earlier this year. The legislation makes Tennessee the eighth state in the nation to fully prohibit the substance.

Beginning July 1, all forms of kratom will become illegal in Tennessee. The ban includes powdered leaf products, capsules, teas and concentrated extracts, including products containing 7-hydroxymitragynine, commonly known as 7-OH.

The law does not include a grace period for retailers or consumers. Products currently sold in vape shops, convenience stores and specialty retailers must be removed from shelves before the law takes effect.

Individuals who knowingly possess kratom after July 1 can be charged with a Class A misdemeanor. Conviction carries a potential sentence of up to 11 months and 29 days in jail, a fine of up to $2,500, or both.

Manufacturing, delivering or selling kratom will be treated as a Class C felony, punishable by three to 15 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000.

Supporters of Matthew Davenport’s Law cited concerns about the safety of unregulated kratom products and the potential for abuse. Opponents argued the substance has been used by some individuals as an alternative for pain management and opioid withdrawal support.

The July 1 effective date marks one of the largest annual rollouts of new Tennessee laws in recent years, affecting everything from workplace contracts and domestic violence penalties to firearm rights and controlled substances. Residents are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the changes to avoid unintended legal consequences once the laws take effect.