SB 640 Tennessee Senate · 114th Regular Session (2025-2026)

Right to Die - As introduced, creates a process whereby an adult suffering from a terminal disease may request medication for the purpose of ending the adult's life in a humane and dignified manner if certain requirements are met. - Amends TCA Title 32; Title 39; Title 56; Title 63 and Title 68.

SB 640 would allow capable, terminally ill adults in Tennessee (with an incurable disease expected to cause death within six months) to request medication to end their lives in a humane manner. To qualify, patients must receive counseling from a psychiatrist or psychologist, make an informed decision after learning about alternatives like hospice care, and submit a written request witnessed by two non-relatives with no financial stake in their estate. The bill requires confirmation from both an attending physician and a consulting physician that the patient meets all criteria, including being free from depression affecting judgment. This process would apply only to residents of Tennessee who voluntarily choose this option after meeting all specified safeguards.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 10, 2025 Last action Feb 12, 2025
Floor votes

How they voted

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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
3
Key actions
0
Committee
1
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 Heidi Campbell
Heidi Campbell
DDemocratic
TN
20