AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 71-3-1113, relative to the repeal date of the CoverKids Act of 2006.
Summary
SB1305 amends Tennessee law to extend the repeal date of the CoverKids Act of 2006 from June 30, 2025, to June 30, 2030. CoverKids is Tennessee’s health coverage program for eligible children, so the bill functions as a continuation measure rather than a redesign of the program. By moving the sunset date forward five years, the General Assembly preserves the statutory authority for the program to remain in effect without interruption.
The bill makes a single targeted change to Tennessee Code Annotated section 71-3-1113. It does not alter eligibility rules, benefits, funding formulas, or administration details in the text provided; instead, it prevents the existing law from expiring on the earlier date. The act takes effect immediately upon becoming law, reflecting the public welfare rationale stated in the bill.
Impact
SB1305 extends the life of the CoverKids Act of 2006 by changing the statute’s repeal date, thereby maintaining the legal framework for Tennessee’s children’s health coverage program through June 30, 2030. The bill affects Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 71-3-1113, and ensures that the program’s statutory authorization remains in place for several additional years. Its practical impact is to avoid a lapse in authority for the program and preserve coverage continuity for eligible children and families.
Sentiment
The available legislative history shows strong, unanimous support for the bill. The Senate Health and Welfare Committee recommended passage on a 9-0 vote, and the floor motion to adopt passed 30-0. With no committee transcript provided and no recorded opposition in the voting history, the overall sentiment appears favorable and noncontroversial. The bill was treated as a routine extension of an existing public health coverage program.
Contention
No notable points of contention are evident in the materials provided. Because the bill only extends the repeal date and does not change substantive program rules, there is no indication of disagreement over eligibility, cost, administration, or program scope. The unanimous committee and floor votes suggest broad bipartisan agreement, with support centered on preserving children’s health coverage through the CoverKids program.