SB 1377, the Voluntary Portable Benefit Plan Act, allows businesses to voluntarily contribute to portable benefit plans for independent contractors. These plans, administered by third-party providers chosen by the contractor, cover health, disability, unemployment, life insurance, and retirement benefits. Contributions can be made directly by the business or by withholding a portion of the contractor’s pay, but only with a clear written opt-in agreement and the ability to opt out at any time. The bill amends Tennessee law to ensure these contributions cannot be used to determine a worker’s employment classification as an employee or independent contractor.
SB 1010, the "Tennessee Contraceptive Freedom Act," establishes a fundamental right for all Tennesseans to access contraception without discrimination. It requires healthcare providers to either provide contraceptive services or refer patients to providers who do, while prohibiting restrictions that single out contraceptive care or impede access. The bill explicitly defines contraception as distinct from abortion and emphasizes equal access regardless of race, gender, income, or other factors, particularly protecting historically marginalized groups. It applies to all healthcare providers, health insurance carriers, and public health agencies across Tennessee.
HB 927 clarifies that certain health insurance benefits (like dental or vision coverage, called "excepted benefits") do not need to be included in standard health insurance plans unless state law explicitly requires them. This affects health insurance providers and policyholders in Tennessee by removing an obligation to cover these specific benefits as part of standard coverage. The bill specifies that excepted benefits are exempt from requirements to cover specific people, providers, treatments, or conditions unless mandated by law. It applies to new or renewed insurance policies on or after July 1, 2025.
HB 398 extends the time that Tennessee licensing boards have to respond to the Department of Health from 30 to 45 days when the department requests information about actions taken against prescribers with unusual controlled substance prescribing patterns. This includes prescribers identified as statistical outliers, top prescribers, or high-risk prescribers of controlled substances. The bill directly affects how quickly the Department of Health can monitor prescriber behavior and the timeline for licensing boards to provide updates. The amendment applies to multiple sections of Tennessee law related to health and professional licensing.
HB 1212 establishes a temporary program to improve access to mental health and substance use disorder services for Tennessee youth under 18. The program creates a web-based portal for age-appropriate mental health screenings, connects youth with providers for in-person or telehealth sessions, and reimburses providers for up to three initial sessions per youth using existing K-12 mental health funds. Providers must offer at least three sessions per youth to qualify for reimbursement, and the Department of Mental Health must run a public awareness campaign involving schools and community groups. The program expires on July 1, 2026, requiring a final report to health committees on service usage and outcomes.
HB 236 extends the Bureau of TennCare (Tennessee's Medicaid program) within the Department of Finance and Administration until June 30, 2029, by amending Tennessee Code Sections 4-29-246 and 4-29-250. It removes a sunset provision and formally incorporates the Bureau's structure under Executive Order No. 23 (1999), ensuring its continued operation without future expiration. This bill directly affects the TennCare program's administrative structure and the Department of Finance and Administration's management of Medicaid services. The law became effective March 26, 2025, after Governor approval.
SB 1241 expands Tennessee's definition of child abuse to include children under 18 who witness another child being abused in their household or domestic violence against a family member in their home. This change directly affects minors in households experiencing abuse, as it now classifies their exposure as abuse under state law. The bill also requires that children placed in foster care due to abuse cannot be reunited with parents unless the parent follows their court-ordered plan and the child receives mental health counseling. These provisions apply to cases handled under Tennessee's child welfare system, specifically in Title 37 (child protective services) and related statutes.
SB 589 requires health insurance plans in Tennessee that cover prescription contraceptives to provide a 12-month refill option at one time, instead of shorter-term refills. This applies to all health benefit plans (including Medicaid/TennCare and CoverKids programs) that renew, amend, or issue coverage on or after January 1, 2026. The bill directly affects insured individuals who use prescription contraceptives by simplifying access to longer-term supply. It amends Tennessee law to expand the definition of "health benefit plan" and updates the effective date for this requirement. The policy change focuses on coverage mechanics, not outcomes or advocacy.
SB 579 would provide eligible Tennessee workers 12 weeks of job-protected leave for recovery after living organ donation surgery, with leave counted toward employment seniority. It prohibits insurers from denying coverage or charging more for life, disability, or long-term care insurance solely because someone is a living organ donor. The bill also requires the Tennessee Department of Health to create and post public educational materials about living organ donation by July 2025, covering benefits, risks, and insurance impacts. This bill directly affects living organ donors, employers, and insurance providers in Tennessee.
HB 1443, the "Caring for Caregivers Act," creates a pilot program to provide financial grants to family caregivers of Tennessee residents with Alzheimer's disease or related dementia. The program, running from 2026 to 2029, offers up to $6,000 annually per caregiver to cover eligible expenses like home modifications for safety, medical equipment, and respite care. To qualify, caregivers must have an adjusted income below the state median (adjusted for family size), and the person they care for must live in a private home while needing help with at least two daily living activities. Grants prioritize very low-income households and are funded through state appropriations and donations.
