Computers and Electronic Processing - As enacted, requires each department, agency, office, commission, institution, or instrumentality of the executive branch to accept electronic transmissions; defines the meaning of electronic transmission as applicable to this state's code; removes the terms "fax" or "facsimile" in certain statutes and replaces the terms with electronic transmission. - Amends TCA Title 1; Title 2; Title 3; Title 4; Title 5; Title 7; Title 8; Title 9; Title 10; Title 11; Title 12; Title 13; Title 16; Title 20; Title 22; Title 24; Title 31; Title 33; Title 36; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 43; Title 44; Title 45; Title 47; Title 48; Title 49; Title 50; Title 53; Title 54; Title 55; Title 56; Title 61; Title 62; Title 63; Title 64; Title 65; Title 66; Title 67; Title 68; Title 69 and Title 71.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by William Lamberth

Tennessee requires state agencies to accept electronic transmissions and replaces "fax" terminology with "electronic transmission" across 47 state law titles, effective 2026.

Pub. Ch. 94

#computersandelectronicprocessing

Legislative bill overview

HB 321 modernizes Tennessee state law by requiring all executive branch departments and agencies to accept electronic transmissions and replacing outdated terminology ("fax" or "facsimile") with "electronic transmission" across 47 titles of state code. This is a comprehensive technical update affecting numerous statutes governing everything from administrative procedures to professional licensing.

Why is this important

This bill addresses a practical gap between modern communication technology and outdated legal language. By mandating electronic acceptance and updating terminology, it removes potential barriers to efficient government operations and ensures citizens can interact with state agencies using contemporary digital methods rather than being forced to use fax machines or paper-based processes.

Potential points of contention

Implementation burden: Agencies must update systems and procedures by January 1, 2026; smaller agencies may struggle with technical or resource constraints

Definition ambiguity: "Electronic transmission" is broad and could be interpreted differently across agencies, potentially creating inconsistent standards for what formats are acceptable (email, secure portals, etc.)

Records retention concerns: Digital records require different management protocols than fax records; unclear standards could create compliance or audit issues