TennCare - As introduced, prohibits a healthcare provider who participates in the TennCare or CoverKids programs from refusing to provide healthcare services to an enrollee based solely upon the enrollee’s refusal to obtain a vaccine or immunization; prohibits the bureau from reimbursing a healthcare provider in violation of such prohibition; requires the director to adopt rules. - Amends TCA Title 33; Title 56; Title 63; Title 68 and Title 71.
SB 1389 prohibits healthcare providers participating in Tennessee's TennCare or CoverKids programs from refusing to treat patients solely because they decline vaccines or immunizations. It requires the state to stop reimbursing providers who violate this rule and mandates the TennCare director to create implementing regulations. The law excludes oncology and organ transplant specialists from the prohibition. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, with rules to be established under state administrative procedures.
Bill status
failed
4 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Apr 2026
Senate Passage
Apr 2025
House Passage
Apr 2025
Governor
Introduced Feb 10, 2025
Last action Apr 24, 2026
Floor votes · Senate Apr 16, 2025 · House Apr 21, 2025
How they voted
31–7
Passed
Total votes 38
Apr 16, 2025
D
Democratic7
85% Nay
R
Republican31
96% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea
All Nay
Mixed
No data
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
31
Key actions
12
Committee
8
Amendments
2
Apr 23, 2026
Lower · Passed
Conference Committee appointed (Watson, Bowling, Kyle)
lower
Apr 23, 2026
Upper · Passed
Conference Committee report adopted, Ayes 27, Nays 5
upper
Apr 20, 2026
Amended
Senate refused to concur in amendment
lower
Apr 21, 2025
Lower · Passed
H. adopted am. (Amendment 1 - HA0247)
lower
Apr 21, 2025
Lower · Passed
Passed H., as am., Ayes 66, Nays 23, PNV 3
lower
Apr 16, 2025
Lower · Passed
Senate adopted Amendment (Amendment 1 - SA0238)
lower
Apr 16, 2025
Lower · Passed
Senate adopted Amendment (Amendment 2 - SA0239)
lower
Apr 16, 2025
Upper · Passed
Passed Senate as amended, Ayes 26, Nays 7
upper
Mar 25, 2025
Upper · Passed
Recommended for passage with amendment/s, refer to Senate Calendar Committee Ayes 8, Nays 1 PNV 0
upper
Mar 19, 2025
Lower · Passed
Placed on Senate Commerce and Labor Committee calendar for 3/25/2025
lower
Mar 18, 2025
Lower · Passed
Action deferred in Senate Commerce and Labor Committee to 3/25/2025
lower
Mar 13, 2025
Lower · Passed
Placed on Senate Commerce and Labor Committee calendar for 3/18/2025
lower
Mar 11, 2025
Lower · Passed
Placed on Senate Commerce and Labor Committee calendar for 3/18/2025
lower
Feb 12, 2025
Committee
Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Commerce and Labor Committee
upper
Feb 10, 2025
Introduced
Introduced, Passed on First Consideration
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Bo Watson
RRepublican
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