Tennessee Senate Bill SB0382

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/28/25

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 7, Chapter 51, relative to guaranteed income.

Impact

A significant aspect of SB0382 is the prohibition it places on local governments within Tennessee regarding the implementation of guaranteed income programs. Under the proposed law, counties, cities, and other political subdivisions would be explicitly barred from adopting any measures that would aim to facilitate payments to individuals under a guaranteed income program. This aspect indicates a shift towards centralizing the authority on such welfare programs at the state level, preventing local initiatives from addressing their specific community needs through guaranteed income strategies.

Summary

Senate Bill 382 (SB0382) is a legislative proposal aimed at amending Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically Title 7, Chapter 51, to address the concept of guaranteed income programs. The bill defines a guaranteed income program as one that involves unconditional cash payments to individuals without requiring them to seek reemployment, perform work, or attend training as a condition for receiving such payments. This form of income support is increasingly being discussed as a means to assist individuals, particularly in times of economic hardship.

Conclusion

Overall, SB0382 seeks to formalize state control over guaranteed income programs while limiting the powers of local governments to enact their own welfare programs. As the bill progresses through legislative discussions, it will be critical to assess how it affects statewide policies on income support, the role of local governments in social welfare, and ultimately the livelihoods of Tennessee residents.

Contention

The introduction of this bill could lead to notable contention among stakeholders. Advocates for guaranteed income argue that such programs could significantly alleviate poverty and provide a safety net for vulnerable populations. However, opponents—potentially including some local government officials and social welfare advocates—may see this bill as an infringement on local governance and an obstacle to innovative local solutions to economic disparities. The discussions surrounding SB0382 will likely engage various viewpoints on state versus local authority in welfare programming.