HB 617, nicknamed "Tucker's Law," designates October as "Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Month" in all Tennessee public schools and requires schools to provide age-appropriate, research-based instruction about fentanyl abuse prevention and drug poisoning awareness to students in grades 6-12. The bill mandates that this instruction cover suicide prevention, fentanyl abuse risks, local resource access, and broader substance use education. It applies to all local education agencies and public charter schools, with implementation required starting July 1, 2025. The law specifies that instruction may be delivered by qualified entities like health agencies, schools, or mental health professionals.
HB 1203 allows Tennessee healthcare licensing boards to issue licenses with conditions requiring applicants to participate in a board-approved peer assistance program. This applies to healthcare providers whose medical conditions might affect their ability to practice competently, but the "private advocacy order" itself is not considered a license restriction. The order is confidential and not a public record, unless the provider fails to maintain participation, triggering disciplinary action. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Title 63 to establish this process for conditional licensing.
HB 954 requires all Tennessee law enforcement agencies to create and implement alternative crisis response units by January 1, 2026. These units must pair a full-time police officer with a qualified mental health professional who leads mental health-related emergency calls. The bill mandates the Tennessee Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission to establish uniform training standards for these units and provide annual officer training on supporting mental health professionals during crisis calls. The law directly affects every law enforcement agency in Tennessee and updates state statutes to formalize this crisis response model.
HB 872 would establish Tennessee's first regulated medical cannabis program, creating a commission to license and oversee cultivation, distribution, and sales of cannabis for patients with approved medical conditions. The bill defines key terms like "medical cannabis card" for patients, "caregiver" for support providers, and establishes a tracking system to monitor products from cultivation to sale. It directly affects qualifying patients, caregivers, and businesses seeking licenses to operate medical cannabis dispensaries or cultivation facilities within Tennessee. The program aims to provide legal access to medical cannabis while prohibiting smoking/vaping and excluding hemp products, aligning with similar programs in 38 other states.
HB 428 requires TennCare to cover continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) for enrolled individuals with specific diabetes conditions. It directly affects TennCare members diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, gestational diabetes, or Type 2 diabetes with documented complications like frequent low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), high A1C levels (≥7%), or hospitalizations related to diabetes. The bill mandates coverage only when a specialist (endocrinologist or diabetes-experienced provider) confirms eligibility based on medical criteria. The law takes effect January 1, 2026.
SB 187, the "Reproductive Freedom Act," would establish new legal protections for abortion and reproductive healthcare in Tennessee. It defines "reproductive health care" broadly to include abortion, contraception, prenatal care, and fertility services, while affirming that pregnant people have fundamental rights to make decisions about their care without state interference. The bill deletes numerous existing restrictions across Tennessee law (including provisions in Titles 39, 49, and 53 that previously limited abortion access) and requires healthcare plans to cover reproductive health services. This legislation directly affects all Tennessee residents seeking or providing reproductive healthcare, particularly those needing abortion care or related services.
HB 387 prohibits Tennessee healthcare providers from asking patients about firearm ammunition or accessory ownership, possession, or access. It also bans denying treatment or discriminating against patients based on firearm ownership, and requires written notice if an inquiry occurs. Violations result in disciplinary action by the provider’s licensing board and a $1,000 fine per violation. The law applies to most healthcare providers (excluding psychiatrists/psychologists) and takes effect July 1, 2025. It directly affects patient-provider interactions in medical settings across Tennessee.
SB 1305 extends Tennessee's CoverKids health insurance program for children by changing its expiration date from June 30, 2025, to June 30, 2030. This bill directly affects low-income children in Tennessee who qualify for the CoverKids program, ensuring continued access to health coverage. The key mechanism is amending Tennessee Code Annotated Section 71-3-1113 to update the program's termination date. The bill was signed into law on April 3, 2025, and became effective April 8, 2025.
SB 786 requires psychologists and neuropsychologists to securely store test materials and data from psychological evaluations to maintain test validity. It prohibits third-party observers (like family members, attorneys, or insurance representatives) during testing and bans video/audio recordings, with limited exceptions for disabilities, language needs, minors, or trainee supervision. The bill restricts access to test materials/data solely to licensed psychologists or trained experts who must legally and ethically protect their security. It directly affects professionals conducting psychological evaluations, ensuring data integrity for high-stakes decisions like forensic assessments, medical evaluations, and educational accommodations.
SB 440 clarifies that standalone dental and vision insurance plans (known as "excepted benefits") are not required to cover specific medical treatments, services, or conditions unless state law explicitly mandates it. This change directly affects health insurance plans offering these stand-alone benefits, removing an implied obligation to cover certain medical needs under those plans. The law applies to all new or renewed insurance policies issued on or after July 1, 2025, ensuring clarity for insurers and policyholders. It does not alter existing coverage requirements for standard health insurance plans.
