Dallas's Law for security guard training highlights new laws taking effect Jan. 1

A law to strengthen training requirements for security guards is among several going into effect on Jan. 1, 2023. 

The security guard legislation, known as Dallas's Law, comes after Dallas Barrett died in 2021 following a fight with the guards at Dierks Bentley's Whiskey Row in Nashville.

Six guards and another man face reckless homicide and aggravated assault charges in Barrett's death.

The Tennessean found four of the six guards charged in Barrett's death were unlicensed, and most guards at places like Whiskey Row aren't required to complete any training to earn licenses.

The law requires first aid, CPR, restraint and de-escalation training for all private security guards working in places with a license to sell alcohol.

Most laws in Tennessee go into effect on July 1 – the start of the government's new fiscal year – or immediately following when they are signed into law. 

This year, Dallas's Law is one of a handful that goes into effect at the start of the new year. Here's a look at some of them.

More:Whiskey Row death timeline: What's happened since Nashville bar patron's death a year ago

Law targeting school dispute in Shelby County

Memphis Shelby County Schools will be required to give four schools to municipal districts that split from the county school system. The new law prevents school districts from operating schools not in their designated boundary, a problem that has so far only occurred in Memphis. 

It accomplished a goal of Germantown officials since it was among six new municipal school districts formed nearly a decade ago and also impacted a fourth school in Millington, another Shelby County municipality. 

The Jan. 1 deadline forced municipal leaders to enter agreements with Memphis-Shelby County Schools over the transfer and sale of school buildings the Memphis district kept as the suburban districts peeled away. 

Amid threats of reopening a federal lawsuit, Germantown and Memphis-Shelby County Schools finalized an agreement that also put Shelby County on the hook for nearly $80 million toward a replacement school for Memphis-Shelby County Schools.

More:After a flurry of four votes, Germantown schools transfer agreement takes effect

Wine case discounts are banned

The new law prevents retailers from selling cases of wine at a discount. Tennessee law currently prevents a store from selling alcohol below what they paid the wholesaler for it, but until now, there was an exception for case discounts.

Homeowners can go unlisted on property databases

Homeowners can request that the property assessor display in the ownership field that their property is "unlisted." This option is only available to homeowners who can prove the residence they want unlisted is their primary place of living. 

Laura Testino from Memphis contributed to this report.

Adam Friedman is The Tennessean's state government and politics reporter. Reach him by email at afriedman@tennessean.com