AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 33; Title 37; Title 44; Title 47; Title 49; Title 53; Title 63 and Title 68, relative to health.
Summary
HB1852 would enact the “Tennessee mRNA Pharmaceutical Sovereignty and Safety Act” and prohibit any person, including licensed healthcare providers, from administering in Tennessee any vaccine or other injectable solution containing mRNA vaccine material, including self-amplifying mRNA (samRNA), to humans or animals. The bill defines mRNA vaccine material broadly and makes each prohibited administration a separate offense.
The measure also creates enforcement consequences. A violation would be a Class A misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $2,500 per violation, and healthcare providers who violate the ban could face additional professional discipline from their licensing or regulatory boards, including possible revocation of licensure or other authorization to practice. The bill would take effect January 1, 2027.
Impact
HB1852 would add a new prohibition to Tennessee Code Annotated Title 63 affecting the practice of healthcare and veterinary medicine, and it would indirectly affect regulatory authority under Titles 33, 37, 44, 47, 49, 53, 63, and 68 by banning mRNA-related injections statewide. It would override the ability of providers to administer mRNA vaccines or similar injectable products to people or animals in Tennessee, create a new criminal penalty, and expose licensed professionals to administrative sanctions from their respective boards.
Sentiment
No committee transcripts or recorded votes were provided, so there is no documented legislative debate or vote history to gauge support or opposition. Based on the bill text alone, the measure is framed as a public-health and safety response to mRNA technologies, but it is also highly controversial because it would impose a broad statewide ban on a class of vaccines and related products that are widely used in modern medicine.
Contention
The main point of contention is the bill’s sweeping prohibition on mRNA vaccines and samRNA products, including use in both humans and animals. Supporters of the bill appear to view mRNA products as unsafe and in need of prohibition, while likely opponents would argue that the bill conflicts with established medical practice, public-health policy, and vaccine access. Another likely dispute is the bill’s broad enforcement scheme, which combines criminal penalties with professional discipline for healthcare providers and could affect physicians, veterinarians, pharmacists, and other licensed practitioners.
Crossfiled
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 33; Title 37; Title 44; Title 47; Title 49; Title 53; Title 63 and Title 68, relative to health.
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 8; Title 33; Title 36; Title 37; Title 48; Title 49; Title 52; Title 53; Title 55; Title 56; Title 62; Title 63 and Title 68, relative to health.
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 8; Title 33; Title 36; Title 37; Title 48; Title 49; Title 52; Title 53; Title 55; Title 56; Title 62; Title 63 and Title 68, relative to health.
Designates third full week of May of each year as "Clinical Trials Awareness Week" and May 20 of each year as "Clinical Trials Volunteers Appreciation Day" in NJ.