NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT / WTVF) – Things are changing in Tennessee with the arrival of the New Year. These new laws are effective as of January 1, 2021:
- Anyone who buys cigarettes, steam products or other tobacco items must be at least 21 years of age. The law allowed anyone aged 18 to buy tobacco.
- Changes to the AMBER Alert system take effect. The new system allows AMBER Alerts to be issued to individuals aged 21 and under. The AMBER Alert system was previously used only for children under 18.
- Rights have been extended to pregnant women in the workplace. The Pregnant Workers Equity Act empowers women to request more accommodations at work.
- The new legislation takes effect, allowing 911 operators across the state to provide CPR instructions to callers in an emergency. Prior to January 1, not all counties allowed 911 operators to give CPR instructions to callers.
The General Assembly will meet on January 12 with a special session on education to be held a week later, according to WTVF.
Copyright 2020 WVLT. All rights reserved.