The first section is for the SENATE Judiciary Committee on Monday, March 9, 2026.
Further down you will find the info for the HOUSE Judiciary Committee on Wednesday, March 11, 2026
SB1656 AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 33, Chapter 2; Title 38; Title 39; Title 50; Title 63 and Title 68, relative to Kratom.
SENATE Judiciary Committee
MARCH 9, 2026 12:00 PM CST
Cordell Hull State Office Building
425 Rep. John Lewis Way N.
Nashville, TN 37243
WATCH from the Senate Judiciary Committee Page
Rita Redmond,
Executive Secretary
716 Cordell Hull Bldg.
Rita Redmond,
Executive Secretary
716 Cordell Hull Bldg.
rita.redmond@capitol.tn.gov
Phone: 615-741-6682
Walker Beasley,
Research Analyst
Phone: 615-741-1100
ext. 44137
Senator Todd Gardenhire, Chair
sen.todd.gardenhire@capitol.tn.gov
Phone: 615-741-6682
Senator Kerry Roberts, Vice Chair
sen.kerry.roberts@capitol.tn.gov
Phone: 615-741-4499
Senator Paul Rose, 2nd Vice Chair
sen.paul.rose@capitol.tn.gov
Phone: 615-741-1967
Senator Bobby Harshbarger
sen.bobby.harshbarger@capitol.tn.gov
Phone: 615-741-5761
Senator Sara Klye
sen.sara.kyle@capitol.tn.gov
Phone: 615-741-4167
Senator London Lamar
sen.london.lamar@capitol.tn.gov
Phone: 615-741-2509
Senator John Stevens
sen.john.stevens@capitol.tn.gov
Phone: 615-741-4576
Senator Brent Taylor
sen.brent.taylor@capitol.tn.gov
Phone: 615-741-3036
Senator Dawn White
sen.dawn.white@capitol.tn.gov
Phone: 615-741-6853
Email Template
To: [See Committee Email List Below] Subject: URGENT: Constituent Opposition to SB 1656 (Matthew Davenport’s Law)
Dear Senator {last name},
My name is [Your Name] and I am a resident of [Your City/District]. I am writing to formally voice my opposition to SB 1656, which is scheduled for a hearing in your committee on March 9th.
While I support the goal of ensuring consumer safety, SB 1656 moves in the wrong direction by implementing a total ban on kratom. I urge you to vote “No” for the following reasons:
- Criminalization of Citizens: This bill would turn thousands of law-abiding Tennesseans—including veterans and chronic pain sufferers—into felons for possessing a natural plant they use for wellness.
- The Danger of the Black Market: Prohibiting kratom does not eliminate it; it removes it from regulated store shelves and pushes it into an underground market where products are untested and potentially laced with dangerous substances.
- A Better Path (Regulation over Prohibition): I support the enforcement of the Kratom Consumer Protection Act. We should focus on strict age verification, clear labeling, and lab-testing requirements to remove “bad actors” without punishing responsible adult consumers.
[Optional: Insert 1-2 sentences on how kratom has personally helped you or someone you know.]
Please protect the rights of Tennessee consumers and vote NO on SB 1656.
Sincerely,
[Your Name] [Your Address] [Your Phone Number]
HOUSE Judiciary Committee
HB1649
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 33, Chapter 2; Title 38; Title 39; Title 50; Title 63 and Title 68, relative to Kratom.
HOUSE Judiciary Committee
March 11, 2026
Agenda:
27. HB1649 by Helton-Haynes. (*SB1656 by Gardenhire.)
Criminal Offenses – Amends TCA Title 33, Chapter 2; Title 38; Title 39; Title 50; Title 63 and Title 68. As introduced, enacts “Matthew Davenport’s Law,” which creates certain criminal offenses and testing requirements related to Kratom.
Summary exists for HB1649
Andrew Farmer Chair
615-741-4419
rep.andrew.farmer@capitol.tn.gov
Elaine Davis Vice Chair
615-741-2287
rep.elaine.davis@capitol.tn.gov
Bill Beck
615-741-3229
rep.bill.beck@capitol.tn.gov
Gino Bulso
615-741-6808
rep.gino.bulso@capitol.tn.gov
Clay Doggett
615-741-7477
rep.clay.doggett@capitol.tn.gov
Rick Eldridge
615-741-6877
rep.rick.eldridge@capitol.tn.gov
Johnny Garrett
615-741-1971
rep.johnny.garrett@capitol.tn.gov
Gloria Johnson
615-741-4581
rep.gloria.johnson@capitol.tn.gov
William Lamberth
615-741-1980
rep.william.lamberth@capitol.tn.gov
Lowell Russell
615-741-3736
rep.lowell.russell@capitol.tn.gov
Tom Stinnett
615-741-3560
rep.tom.stinnett@capitol.tn.gov
Chris Todd
615-741-7475
rep.chris.todd@capitol.tn.gov
Ron Travis (R)Member
615-741-1450
rep.ron.travis@capitol.tn.gov
Example Template
Subject: Oppose HB1649, Regulation not Prohibition
Dear Representative [Last Name],
My name is [Your Name] and I am a constituent residing in [Your City/District]. I am writing to strongly urge you to vote NO on [Bill Number].
[Insert a concise paragraph here explaining your opposition, using a personal example of how the bill would affect you or your community.]
I value your service to our district and hope you will consider the perspectives of your constituents on this matter. I would appreciate it if you could share your position on this bill and any actions you plan to take regarding the upcoming vote.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name] [Your Street Address] [Your City, State, Zip Code] [Your Phone Number]
HELPFUL INFO
Clear Subject Line: Make it specific so the staff can identify the issue immediately.
Format: [Bill Number] – [Your Position] – [Your City/District]
Example: RE: Opposition to HB 1649 – [Your Name] – [Your City]
Formal Salutation: Address the official by their formal title.
Example: Dear Representative [Last Name], or Dear Chairman [Last Name],
Introduction (Who You Are): State your name and explicitly mention that you are a constituent in their district. This is the most important step for getting your email read.
Purpose (The “Ask”): State clearly and early that you are writing to oppose the specific bill (use the bill number).
Evidence/Impact (The “Why”): Keep this to 2–3 concise paragraphs. Focus on how the bill impacts you, your family, or your community. Use “I” statements and personal stories, as these are often more persuasive than generic talking points.
Respectful Tone: Avoid personal attacks, threats, or aggressive language. Legislative staff are more likely to pass on feedback that is professional and constructive.
Closing: Thank the representative for their time and consideration.
Signature Block: You must include your full contact information, including your physical mailing address. Without this, their office often cannot verify you as a constituent, and your email may be disregarded.
Key Tips for Effectiveness
Proofread: Check for spelling and grammar errors; a polished email adds to your credibility as a serious constituent.
Be Concise: Keep your email to 500 words or less (ideally under 3 paragraphs). Legislators and their staff have limited time.
One Issue Only: Stick to one bill or one topic per email. If you have concerns about multiple bills, send separate emails.
Avoid Attachments: Most legislative office security systems block attachments. Put all your text directly in the body of the email.
Request a Response: You can politely ask for their position on the bill, but remember that you may receive a form response.