** SB1656 URGENT – CALL TO ACTION **
EMAIL TEMPLATE for SB1656 under chart of committee members.
Senate Finance Ways and Means Committee
SB656 is number 8 on the Agenda
Hearing April 8, 2026 8:30 am CST
Cordell Hull State Office Building
425 Rep. John Lewis Way N.
Nashville, TN 37243
WATCH from the HERE
Tennessee Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee
| Role / Name | District | Phone | |
| Chair Bo Watson | Dist. 11 | (615) 741-3227 | sen.bo.watson@capitol.tn.gov |
| Vice-Chair John Stevens | Dist. 24 | (615) 741-4576 | sen.john.stevens@capitol.tn.gov |
| 2nd VC Joey Hensley | Dist. 28 | (615) 741-3100 | sen.joey.hensley@capitol.tn.gov |
| — | — | — | — |
| Sen. Ferrell Haile | Dist. 18 | (615) 741-1999 | sen.ferrell.haile@capitol.tn.gov |
| Sen. Jack Johnson | Dist. 27 | (615) 741-2495 | sen.jack.johnson@capitol.tn.gov |
| Sen. London Lamar | Dist. 33 | (615) 741-2509 | sen.london.lamar@capitol.tn.gov |
| Sen. Bill Powers | Dist. 22 | (615) 741-2374 | sen.bill.powers@capitol.tn.gov |
| Sen. Paul Rose | Dist. 32 | (615) 741-1967 | sen.paul.rose@capitol.tn.gov |
| Sen. Page Walley | Dist. 26 | (615) 741-2368 | sen.page.walley@capitol.tn.gov |
| Sen. Ken Yager | Dist. 12 | (615) 741-1449 | sen.ken.yager@capitol.tn.gov |
| Sen. Jeff Yarbro | Dist. 21 | (615) 741-3291 | sen.jeff.yarbro@capitol.tn.gov |
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 April 8th.
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]
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.