SB 1724 allows jails in Tennessee to refuse accepting arrestees who require medical attention and were arrested for a non-violent misdemeanor (not a crime against a person). The arresting agency must arrange for a healthcare provider to evaluate the arrestee and obtain a release form confirming the person no longer needs medical care or can be confined. This applies specifically to misdemeanor offenses under Title 39, Chapter 13 (e.g., minor property offenses, non-violent violations). The law takes effect July 1, 2026, and amends Tennessee Code Sections 41-4-145 and related provisions.
SB 1969 creates a 11-member state uterine fibroids commission to address health concerns related to uterine fibroids, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and endometriosis. The commission, appointed by the governor (including patient members and healthcare representatives) and legislative leaders, will advise state agencies on prevention, treatment, and care policies. Key provisions include researching state regulations, holding annual public hearings, and submitting annual reports to the legislature by December 31. The commission directly affects women diagnosed with these conditions, state health departments, and healthcare providers through its advisory role. It does not change funding or direct medical care but aims to improve policy coordination and public health monitoring.
SB 1895 allows individuals convicted of DUI involving alcohol or opioids to choose receiving naltrexone injections (paid for by the individual) for 12 months instead of being required to use an ignition interlock device on their vehicle. This option is available at the court's discretion during sentencing for DUI offenses under Tennessee law. The court must include reporting requirements for the naltrexone treatment as a probation condition, and failure to comply could lead to probation revocation. The bill amends Tennessee Code Sections 55-10-401 and 55-10-409 to implement this alternative sentencing mechanism. It takes effect July 1, 2026.
HB 1930 amends Tennessee law to require the Department of Commerce and Insurance to submit annual reports on health insurance coverage for mental health, alcoholism, and drug dependency by January 31 each year. Previously, the reports were due "each year thereafter" without a specific deadline, but this change establishes a fixed submission date. The bill directly affects the agency responsible for filing these reports and ensures the public receives timely data on coverage for these conditions. This adjustment standardizes the reporting timeline without altering the content or scope of the required information.
HB 2053 requires Tennessee's Department of Health to create a database tracking demographic information (like race/ethnicity) and treatment options for women diagnosed with uterine fibroids, to be operational by January 1, 2027. The department must also publish educational resources on its website highlighting racial/ethnic groups at higher risk for uterine fibroids and non-hysterectomy treatment options. All data will be maintained confidentially under health privacy laws. This bill directly affects women with uterine fibroids by improving access to condition-specific information and care options.
SB 2033 requires Tennessee employers who make mental health evaluations a condition of employment or hiring to provide employees and job applicants with reasonable access to the evaluation results, including reports from mental health professionals. This applies to all employers (including state agencies) and directly affects workers and job seekers who undergo such evaluations. The bill creates a private right of action, allowing individuals to sue employers who deny access to results and seek court orders, attorney fees, and costs if they win. The law takes effect upon enactment, ensuring transparency in employment-related mental health assessments.
SB 1700, the "Curbing Harmful AI Technology (CHAT) Act," regulates companion chatbots that interact with minors under 18 in Tennessee. It requires operators to prevent chatbots from encouraging self-harm, violence, illegal activity, or secrecy, and mandates clear disclaimers that the user is not interacting with a human (at login, every 30 minutes, and when seeking regulated advice). Developers must also include mental health crisis referrals for users expressing suicidal ideation. The law directly affects companies developing or deploying companion chatbots targeting minors, excluding those used for customer service, internal business, or clinical settings under professional supervision.
SB 2014, the "Tennessee Women's Childbirth Alternatives, Resources, and Education Act" (Trixtian's Law), protects pregnant and postpartum individuals in Tennessee's criminal justice system. It prohibits using pregnancy-related medical information (like test results or treatment disclosures) as evidence in criminal cases and prevents criminal charges based on pregnancy outcomes. The bill requires correctional facilities to report annual data on incarcerated pregnant people, births, and health outcomes while maintaining confidentiality, and mandates expeditious transfers for pregnant individuals to state custody. It also grants immunity to facilities for pregnancy outcomes and ensures pregnancy testing access within 72 hours.
SB 1936 creates a new licensing system for facilities providing nonresidential care to medically dependent children under 20 who require technology-based nursing care (e.g., ventilators or feeding tubes). These "prescribed pediatric extended care centers" must serve four or more unrelated minors and provide care for no more than 12 hours per day. The bill requires TennCare (Tennessee’s Medicaid program) to seek federal approval to cover services from these licensed centers. It defines key terms like "medically dependent minor" and sets requirements for facility licensing, including background checks and facility zoning compliance.
SB 1584 requires Tennessee hospitals to offer influenza vaccinations (during October 1-March 1 each year) and pneumococcal vaccinations (year-round) to all inpatients aged 50 or older before discharge. This lowers the age threshold from 65 to 50 for these mandatory immunizations, directly affecting hospitals and patients in that age group. The bill amends Tennessee law to align with CDC recommendations, mandating these offers unless medically contraindicated or vaccines are unavailable. It takes effect July 1, 2026, and applies to discharges during the specified flu season period.
