AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 9; Title 49; Title 53; Title 55 and Title 68, relative to public health.
Summary
HB2278 is a narrow public health reporting bill. It requires the Tennessee Department of Health to submit an annual report by February 1 to the chairs of the Senate Health and Welfare Committee and the House committee with jurisdiction over public health programs. The report must describe the benefits and grants received by the state under Tennessee Code Annotated Section 68-1-106.
The measure does not create a new grant program, change eligibility for public health services, or alter how funds are awarded. Instead, it adds a transparency and oversight requirement so legislative health committees receive regular information about state benefits and grant receipts tied to the referenced statute. The bill is set to take effect July 1, 2026.
Impact
HB2278 amends Tennessee Code Annotated Section 68-1-106 by adding a new annual reporting duty for the Department of Health. Its practical effect is to increase legislative oversight of public health-related benefits and grants received by the state, while leaving existing grant and benefits law otherwise unchanged. The bill affects the Department of Health and the relevant Senate and House committee chairs who will receive the report.
Sentiment
The available voting history suggests the bill was received favorably in committee. It passed the House Health Subcommittee 8-0 and the House Health Committee 19-0, indicating broad bipartisan support and little visible opposition at the committee stage. No committee transcript was provided, so the discussion record does not show detailed debate or amendments.
Contention
There is little evidence of substantive contention in the available record. Because the bill is limited to reporting and oversight, any concerns would likely center on administrative burden, reporting scope, or whether the information required is sufficiently useful to lawmakers. However, the unanimous committee votes suggest no major disagreement among members who considered it.
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.
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 8; Title 33; Title 39; Title 49; Title 53; Title 56; Title 63; Title 68 and Title 71, relative to mental health.
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 8; Title 33; Title 39; Title 49; Title 53; Title 56; Title 63; Title 68 and Title 71, relative to mental health.