SB 1039 Tennessee Senate · 114th Regular Session (2025-2026)

Controlled Substances - As introduced, prohibits a healthcare facility from authorizing a licensed healthcare professional from performing a drug or alcohol test or screen on a patient who is pregnant, less than one year postpartum, or a newborn without written and oral consent; allows for a drug or alcohol test or screen to be performed without the consent of the patient in certain listed situations. - Amends TCA Title 33; Title 63 and Title 68.

SB 1039 requires healthcare facilities in Tennessee to obtain clear written and verbal consent before testing pregnant individuals, those under one year postpartum, or newborns for drugs or alcohol. The consent must explain the medical purpose, confidentiality, and potential legal consequences (including possible reporting to child services), while ensuring no coercion. Emergency testing without consent is permitted only if immediate treatment is needed to avoid harm. The bill also prohibits refusing medical care due to a patient's refusal of testing and takes effect July 1, 2025.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 10, 2025 Last action Mar 17, 2026
Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
13
Key actions
9
Committee
11
Mar 17, 2026
Committee
Assigned to General Subcommittee of Senate Health and Welfare Committee
lower
Mar 11, 2026
Lower · Passed
Action deferred in Senate Health and Welfare Committee to 3/18/2026
lower
Mar 11, 2026
Lower · Passed
Placed on Senate Health and Welfare Committee calendar for 3/17/2026
lower
Mar 4, 2026
Lower · Passed
Action deferred in Senate Health and Welfare Committee to 3/11/2026
lower
Mar 4, 2026
Lower · Passed
Placed on Senate Health and Welfare Committee calendar for 3/11/2026
lower
Feb 25, 2026
Lower · Passed
Placed on Senate Health and Welfare Committee calendar for 3/4/2026
lower
Mar 26, 2025
Lower · Passed
Action deferred in Senate Health & Welfare Committee to first calendar of 2026
lower
Mar 19, 2025
Lower · Passed
Placed on Senate Health and Welfare Committee calendar for 3/26/2025
lower
Mar 4, 2025
Lower · Passed
Recalled from Senate Judiciary Committee
lower
Mar 4, 2025
Lower · Passed
Refer to Senate Health & Welfare Committee
lower
Feb 12, 2025
Committee
Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Judiciary Committee
upper
Feb 10, 2025
Introduced
Introduced, Passed on First Consideration
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Janice Bowling
Janice Bowling
RRepublican
TN
16