Several new laws taking effect in TN, GA, AL & NC on January 1, 2026

From Local 3 News: Several new laws take effect at the beginning of the year in Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, and North Carolina.

Here's a quick summary of what you can expect:

Tennessee
In Tennessee, hemp businesses will likely be affected by new regulations governing hemp-derived products.

Under a new agreement, though, companies that hold "legacy" licenses issued before December 31, will continue operating under the current 2023 framework until their licenses expire.

The Tennessee Healthy Alternatives Associations says the transition will now be smoother and more effective.

Georgia
In Georgia, lawmakers have passed several new laws set to kick in on January 1.

One law, Senate Bill 69, is the Georgia Courts Access and Consumer Protection Act. It regulates third‑party litigation financing.

A new statute will allow licensed dentists to provide some services from home. that's House Bill 567.

Lastly, a tax law— part of House Bill 266 — states that most or all the money received from military retirement won't be taxed by the State of Georgia. That law will apply next tax season.

Alabama
Similar to Tennessee, Alabama's new hemp and THC regulations will roll out.

House Bill 445 signals that there will be a tightening on licensing and testing.

The new law also bans many smokable or high-potency hemp products.

Enforcement of these rules will shift to the Alcoholic Beverage Commission board.

Within Jackson County, the sheriff's office now has the green light under senate bill 326 to use credit or debit cards for approved purchases.

North Carolina
Lastly, in North Carolina, under House Bill 506, the new North Carolina Investment Authority officially takes over management of all state investments.

That includes retirement funds for teachers and public employees.

House Bill 67 brings North Carolina into the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, creating a faster pathway for doctors to get licensed here and improving access to healthcare.

House Bill 377 updates estate law, allowing attorneys to keep electronic records of original wills and use certified copies in probate if the original is lost, adding new flexibility for families.