SB 860 Tennessee Senate · 114th Regular Session (2025-2026)

Anatomical Gifts - As introduced, creates a process by which an individual or terminal patient can refuse to make an anatomical gift that cannot be amended by another person; requires a procurement organization to follow certain procedures for contacting a decedent's family member or other authorized person. - Amends TCA Title 63 and Title 68.

SB 860 allows individuals (including terminal patients) to formally refuse body or tissue donation through written documentation or oral statement, which cannot be overridden by others. If a person refuses donation, procurement organizations must immediately release remains to the funeral home designated by the family, without contacting relatives. The bill also requires organizations to contact family within six hours of death if no refusal exists, and imposes $500 civil penalties for repeated violations of these rules. It directly affects donors, families, and organ procurement organizations in Tennessee.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 10, 2025 Last action Mar 26, 2025
Floor votes

How they voted

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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
5
Key actions
1
Committee
3
Mar 26, 2025
Committee
Assigned to General Subcommittee of Senate Health and Welfare Committee
lower
Mar 19, 2025
Lower · Passed
Placed on Senate Health and Welfare Committee calendar for 3/26/2025
lower
Feb 12, 2025
Committee
Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Health and Welfare 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 Ferrell Haile
Ferrell Haile
RRepublican
TN
18