Tort Liability and Reform - As enacted, clarifies that any governmental entity may purchase any of the insurance authorized under state law, without the necessity of public bidding, as required by any public or private act or charter restriction, if such insurance is purchased through a plan authorized and approved by any organization of cities, counties, or other governmental entities as contemplated by state law. - Amends TCA Title 12; Title 12, Chapter 3 and Title 29.

SB 842 amends Tennessee law to allow cities, counties, and other governmental entities to purchase insurance through approved plans (like shared insurance programs) without requiring public bidding, which is typically mandated by law. This change applies to any insurance authorized under state law, removing a barrier to using pre-vetted insurance arrangements. The bill specifically updates Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 12 (Chapter 3), Title 12, and Title 29 to clarify this exception. It became effective April 24, 2025, after being signed by the Governor.