Senate Bill 1481 amends Tennessee law to establish regulations for electric vehicle charging stations and the sale of electric vehicle power. It introduces a new section in the Tennessee Code Annotated, requiring individuals or entities that own or lease electric vehicle charging stations to obtain a special electricity sale and distribution license. This license, which costs $30, must detail the location and type of charging stations and must be prominently displayed at each station. Additionally, the bill mandates that the proceeds from the license fees be allocated to local counties or municipalities for road and bridge improvements or public transportation funding.

Furthermore, the bill imposes a three-cent excise tax per kilowatt-hour on electric vehicle power sold or distributed by electric vehicle power dealers starting January 1, 2027. This tax will be included in the sales price for calculating applicable sales or use taxes. Electric vehicle charging stations must also be equipped to accurately measure and display the amount of power delivered, and the commissioner has the authority to investigate compliance and impose civil penalties for violations. The act will take effect upon becoming law for rule promulgation purposes, while other provisions will be effective from July 1, 2026.