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HB 2610

General Assembly - As introduced, enacts the "Restoring State Sovereignty Through Nullification Act," which establishes processes by which the general assembly may nullify an unconstitutional federal statute, regulation, agency order, or executive order. - Amends TCA Title 3 and Title 4.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Bud Hulsey

Bill creates a process for Tennessee to unilaterally nullify federal laws it deems unconstitutional, likely violating the Supremacy Clause and inviting federal court invalidation.

Rec. for pass by s/c ref. to State & Local Government Committee
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2610

Legislative bill overview

HB 2610 establishes a formal process allowing Tennessee's General Assembly to declare federal statutes, regulations, agency orders, or executive orders unconstitutional and nullify them within the state. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Titles 3 and 4 to create this nullification mechanism as state law.

Why is this important

This bill directly challenges the constitutional principle of federal supremacy established by the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution, which holds that valid federal law supersedes conflicting state law. If enacted, it would create a mechanism for unilateral state rejection of federal authority—a practice with profound implications for national governance, interstate commerce, and constitutional interpretation.

Potential points of contention

  • Constitutional validity: Federal courts have consistently rejected state nullification doctrine since the 1830s; this bill likely faces immediate legal challenge and would probably be struck down as unconstitutional
  • Federal supremacy vs. state rights: Balances competing constitutional values—states' traditional police powers against the established hierarchy that places federal law above state law
  • Practical enforcement conflicts: Creates undefined scenarios where state and federal authorities disagree on constitutionality, potentially creating dual legal systems and compliance chaos for businesses and individuals
  • Historical precedent: Echoes pre-Civil War nullification crises and Massive Resistance to federal civil rights law, raising concerns about using this tool to resist legitimate federal authority

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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