Senate Bill 2657, known as the "Restoring State Sovereignty Through Nullification Act," aims to empower the state of Tennessee to assert its sovereignty against federal actions considered unconstitutional. The bill introduces a new chapter to the Tennessee Code Annotated that outlines the principles of state sovereignty, defines "federal action" and "unconstitutional federal action," and emphasizes the vertical separation of powers between state and federal governments. It mandates the Tennessee General Assembly to review federal actions for constitutionality based on historical interpretations of the U.S. Constitution, asserting that any federal action exceeding its constitutional authority is void and must be resisted.

The legislation establishes procedures for nullifying federal actions, allowing the governor to issue executive orders or enabling General Assembly members to introduce bills of nullification directly for a vote, bypassing committee debate. It includes provisions for nullification petitions from counties, municipalities, or groups of registered voters, and specifies that the results of roll call votes must be published. The bill also clarifies that a bill of nullification can only be considered once per legislative session and may be revisited in subsequent years. It is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, and includes a severability clause to maintain the enforceability of remaining provisions if any are found invalid.