Tax breaks, trans athletes, more: Tennessee laws kicking in

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — As Tennesseans prepare to enjoy fireworks and cookouts over the long weekend, a long slate of new state laws affecting transgender athletes, which books can be in school libraries, homeless camps, and harsh criminal sentences will go into effect Friday.

In Tennessee, July 1 is the start of a new fiscal year and the mark of when many newly passed bills begin to be implemented.

The state's GOP-controlled General Assembly and Republican Gov. Bill Lee signed off on hundreds of bills earlier this year during the annual legislative session. Lee also let several take effect without signing them. Here's a look at some of the notable laws they approved.

BUDGET

The $52.8 billion spending plan for 2022-23 includes a one-month sales tax holiday on groceries planned for August, a $750 million boost to K-12 schools and $100 million in violent crime reduction grants. It also has a $121 million break to waive the state portion of vehicle registration tag fees over the next year, which comes down to $23.75 per vehicle. Other breaks will eliminate $9.7 million worth of a professional privilege tax for doctors and will provide $68 million for one-year broadband tax relief.

HOMELESS CAMPING

Tennessee will become the first U.S. state to make it a felony to camp on local public property such as parks — a move critics say is designed to target homeless encampments. The law requires that violators receive at least 24 hours' notice before an arrest, but the felony charge is punishable by up to six years in prison and the loss of voting rights. It will also be a misdemeanor for camping around highways any time — not just overnight — also, requiring a warning first.

The new law comes after Tennessee made it a felony in 2020 to camp on most state-owned property, as long...