MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A new year means new laws taking effect in Tennessee.

While some are already being challenged, others could have a big impact on some of the problems we face here in Memphis, especially when it comes to landlord issues.

Problem properties in Memphis have been front and center, even for state lawmakers like Sen. Raumesh Akbari (D-Memphis).

It says contact information for property managers, owners and maintenance services must be given to potential renters before they sign a lease.

“That’s what’s needed to make sure the properties in Memphis are one livable and are up to code. And also it helps beautify the city,” said state Sen. London Lamar (D-Memphis).

It’s designed to keep kids from accessing adult sites, but a federal judge says it raises privacy concerns and First Amendment rights.

“I think we just have to have a balance between violating that person’s privacy rights and also making sure that people are protected,” Akbari said.

“That’s something that myself and Karen Camper passed,” Akbari said. “That’s really important for women who are dealing with a host of issues, or it’s more difficult for them to get to a doctor.”

But the new year will also mean back to unresolved issues, like holding those who commit crimes accountable.

“We had some partial successes legislatively with the community terrorism bill,” Rep. G.A. Hardaway (D-Memphis) said. “It passed out of the House, but it got sidetracked in the Senate. We are gonna run that again.”