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The Tennessee Conservative [By David Seal] –
For years, the late Senator Frank Niceley (R-Strawberry Plains) pushed for legislation to define gold and silver coins as legal tender. His efforts may come to fruition in this legislative session.
Senator Brent Taylor (R-Memphis) is proposing legislation that is grounded in SB1827. The honorary amendment proposed by Senator Paul Bailey (R-Sparta) reads in part as follows in Section 1: This act is known and may be cited as the “Frank Niceley Legal Tender Monetary Act.”
The Tennessee Senate Commerce and Labor Committee has SB1827 on notice for a hearing on March 3, 2026.
Niceley’s birthday is March 3.
For decades Niceley exercised forward thinking and conservative ideas to protect Tennesseans from financial uncertainty. His sweeping precious metals bill, proposed in previous legislative sessions, would have established a process for Tennessee to mint coins and define gold and silver as legal tender.
That effort did not come to pass in his lifetime.
Taylor’s current legislative proposal is limited to defining “Precious Metal” as “Legal Tender.” It also bars a person, defined an individual; state, local government, political subdivision, or any agent or agency thereof; company; corporation; partnership; firm; trust; organization; or association” from compelling another person to use or accept a payment made with precious metals.
Representative Bud Hulsey (R-Kingsport) is the prime sponsor of the House Companion Bill HB2038. This bill is scheduled for a hearing in the House Finance Ways and Means Committee on March 4, 2026.
“Few people will ever know the full extent of Frank Niceley’s legislative accomplishments concerning food safety, agricultural issues, property rights, financial security, constitutional integrity, and many other things that are important to Tennessean’s daily life. Although SB 1827 is but a tiny piece of Niceley’s unfinished legislative work, it serves as a reminder of Frank’s legacy and will serve as a foundation for many other initiatives to improve the financial security of ordinary Tennesseans. This is a commonsense step to even greater legislation.” – said Tobi Maier, Niceley Family Friend
If you would like to express your views on SB1827 / HB2038, to the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee or the House Finance Ways and Means Subcommittee, their contact information is provided below.
Senate Commerce and Labor Committee – SB1827 to be heard Tuesday, March 3, 2026
SB1827 enacts the Frank Niceley Legal Tender Monetary Act.
Sen.paul.bailey@capitol.tn.gov; sen.brent.taylor@capitol.tn.gov; sen.steve.southerland@capitol.tn.gov; sen.raumesh.akbari@capitol.tn.gov; sen.jack.johnson@capitol.tn.gov; sen.shane.reeves@capitol.tn.gov; sen.john.stevens@capitol.tn.gov; sen.bo.watson@capitol.tn.gov; sen.ken.yager@capitol.tn.gov
House Finance Ways and Means Subcommittee – HB2038 to be heard Wednesday, March 4, 2026
HB2038 enacts the Frank Niceley Legal Tender Monetary Act.
Rep.ryan.williams@capitol.tn.gov; rep.kip.capley@capitol.tn.gov; rep.jesse.chism@capitol.tn.gov; rep.mark.cochran@capitol.tn.gov; rep.john.crawford@capitol.tn.gov; rep.ron.gant@capitol.tn.gov; rep.john.gillespie@capitol.tn.gov; rep.gary.hicks@capitol.tn.gov; rep.tim.hicks@capitol.tn.gov; rep.antonio.parkinson@capitol.tn.gov; rep.lee.reeves@capitol.tn.gov; rep.johnny.shaw@capitol.tn.gov; rep.jason.zachary@capitol.tn.gov
About the Author: David Seal is a retired Jefferson County educator, recognized artist, local businessman, 917 Society Volunteer, and past Chairman of the Jefferson County Republican Party. He has also served Jefferson County as a County Commissioner and is a citizen lobbyist for the people on issues such as eminent domain, property rights, education, and broadband accessibility on the state level. David is also a 2024 winner of The Tennessee Conservative Flame Award & has received an accolade from the Institute For Justice for successfully lobbing the TN legislature to protect property rights. David can be reached at david@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
