Professions and Occupations - As introduced, specifies in various provisions that for a person to be eligible for a particular license, certificate, permit, or authorization, the person must be a citizen of the United States or a qualified alien. - Amends TCA Title 4; Title 7; Title 20; Title 23; Title 33; Title 37; Title 39; Title 42; Title 43; Title 44; Title 45; Title 46; Title 47; Title 49; Title 52; Title 53; Title 55; Title 56; Title 57; Title 59; Title 60; Title 62; Title 63; Title 67; Title 68; Title 69; Title 70; Title 71 and Chapter 463 of the Public Acts of 2025.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Mark Cochran

Tennessee bill restricts professional licenses to U.S. citizens and qualified aliens across 31 state regulatory codes, potentially limiting immigrant workforce participation statewide.

Placed on cal. Calendar & Rules Committee for 4/14/2026

#professionsandoccupations

Legislative bill overview

HB 1709 would amend Tennessee law across 31 state codes to require that individuals seeking professional licenses, certificates, permits, or authorizations be U.S. citizens or "qualified aliens" (as defined under federal immigration law). The bill applies broadly to numerous professions and occupations regulated by the state, from healthcare to construction to cosmetology.

Why is this important

This legislation would restrict non-citizens' access to professional licensing in Tennessee, potentially affecting immigrants with legal status who work in regulated fields. The broad scope—touching over 30 titles of law—means the impacts would span virtually every licensed profession in the state, with implications for workforce availability, business operations, and individuals' ability to practice their professions.

Potential points of contention

Definition and eligibility disputes: "Qualified aliens" is a federal immigration term with specific criteria; implementation could create confusion about who qualifies, and disputes over documentation requirements

Workforce impact: Restrictive licensing could exacerbate labor shortages in healthcare, nursing, trades, and other fields where immigrant professionals are significant contributors

Enforcement costs and burden: Licensing boards would need to verify citizenship/qualified alien status, creating administrative costs and potential delays in license processing

Legal challenges: Similar restrictions in other states have faced constitutional challenges under equal protection and dormant commerce clause theories; federal immigration preemption may also be questioned

Business community concerns: Employers in licensed professions may oppose restrictions that limit their hiring pool and competitiveness