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HB2290 • 2026

Health Care

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 29; Title 36; Title 63 and Title 68, relative to assisted reproductive technology.

Children Healthcare Technology
Active

The official status still shows this bill as active or still awaiting another formal step.

Sponsor
Williams, Bailey
Last action
2026-04-09
Official status
H. Placed on Regular Calendar for 4/13/2026
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official summary does not provide specific details about the cost or enforcement timeline for these new requirements.

Tennessee Act on Assisted Reproductive Technology

This bill sets rules for doctors and clinics that do assisted reproductive technology, like IVF, in Tennessee.

What This Bill Does

  • Requires doctors to get a special certificate from the board of medical examiners before they can practice assisted reproductive technology.
  • Limits genetic testing on embryos to cases where it's needed to check for serious health issues or fatal conditions.
  • Needs fertility clinics to get and renew certification to use assisted reproductive technology, with yearly inspections by the state health department.
  • Requires doctors to follow specific consent forms when working with patients who want to use assisted reproductive technology.

Who It Names or Affects

  • Doctors and clinics that offer assisted reproductive technology services in Tennessee.

Terms To Know

Assisted Reproductive Technology
Treatments or procedures involving human eggs, sperm, embryos, or other methods to help people have children.
Embryo Laboratory
A place where embryos are created and stored for use in fertility treatments.

Limits and Unknowns

  • The bill does not specify how much it will cost or who will pay for the new requirements.
  • It is unclear when exactly these rules will start to be enforced after they become law.

Amendments

These notes stay tied to the official amendment files and metadata from the legislature.

Amendment 1-0 to HB2290

Plain English: The amendment adds new requirements for fertility clinics in Tennessee to ensure they meet high standards set by the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART).

  • Fertility clinics must obtain a certificate from the state's Department of Health every two years.
  • Clinics need to be members of SART or an equivalent organization approved by the department.
  • Clinical directors at fertility clinics must meet specific certification and training requirements, including board certification in obstetrics and gynecology and completion of a fellowship in reproductive endocrinology and infertility.
  • The amendment includes detailed technical language that may be hard to understand without additional context.
  • It is unclear how existing fertility clinics will transition to meet the new requirements.
Amendment 2-0 to HB2290

Plain English: This amendment changes how Tennessee's Department of Health issues certificates to fertility clinics.

  • Changes the requirement for fertility clinics from submitting information to receive a certificate to automatically receiving a certificate upon submission of required information.
  • The exact details of what information must be submitted by fertility clinics are not specified in this amendment text.
Amendment 1-0 to SB2461

Plain English: The amendment requires fertility clinics in Tennessee to obtain a certificate from the Department of Health and adhere to standards set by the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART).

  • Fertility clinics must become members of SART and submit proof of membership biennially.
  • Clinics need to provide an emergency plan for embryo transfer if they close permanently.
  • Clinical directors at fertility clinics must meet specific certification, training, and experience requirements.
  • The amendment text does not specify penalties or enforcement mechanisms for non-compliance with the new regulations.
Amendment 2-0 to SB2461

Plain English: The amendment requires fertility clinics in Tennessee to obtain a certificate from the Department of Health and adhere to standards set by the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART).

  • Fertility clinics must now get a certificate from the state's Department of Health every two years.
  • Clinics need to show they are members of SART, have an emergency plan for embryo transfer if the clinic closes, and pass lab inspections by recognized organizations.
  • Clinical directors at fertility clinics must meet specific qualifications including board certification in obstetrics and gynecology and completion of a fellowship in reproductive endocrinology.
  • The amendment text does not specify penalties for non-compliance with the new requirements.

Bill History

  1. 2026-04-09 Tennessee General Assembly

    H. Placed on Regular Calendar for 4/13/2026

  2. 2026-04-08 Tennessee General Assembly

    Placed on cal. Calendar & Rules Committee for 4/9/2026

  3. 2026-04-08 Tennessee General Assembly

    Rcvd. from S., held on H. desk.

  4. 2026-04-07 Tennessee General Assembly

    Sponsor(s) Added.

  5. 2026-04-06 Tennessee General Assembly

    Rec. for pass; ref to Calendar & Rules Committee

  6. 2026-04-06 Tennessee General Assembly

    Engrossed; ready for transmission to House

  7. 2026-04-06 Tennessee General Assembly

    Sponsor(s) Added.

  8. 2026-04-06 Tennessee General Assembly

    Passed Senate as amended, Ayes 32, Nays 0

  9. 2026-04-06 Tennessee General Assembly

    Amendment withdrawn. (Amendment 1 - SA0784)

  10. 2026-04-06 Tennessee General Assembly

    Senate adopted Amendment (Amendment 2 - SA0785)

  11. 2026-04-02 Tennessee General Assembly

    Placed on Senate Regular Calendar for 4/6/2026

  12. 2026-04-02 Tennessee General Assembly

    Senate Reset on calendar for 4/6/2026

  13. 2026-04-01 Tennessee General Assembly

    Placed on cal. Government Operations Committee for 4/6/2026

  14. 2026-03-31 Tennessee General Assembly

    Placed on Senate Regular Calendar for 4/2/2026

  15. 2026-03-30 Tennessee General Assembly

    Action def. in Government Operations Committee to 4/6/2026

  16. 2026-03-25 Tennessee General Assembly

    Placed on cal. Government Operations Committee for 3/30/2026

  17. 2026-03-25 Tennessee General Assembly

    Sponsor(s) Added.

  18. 2026-03-24 Tennessee General Assembly

    Rec. for pass. if am., ref. to Government Operations Committee

  19. 2026-03-18 Tennessee General Assembly

    Placed on cal. Health Committee for 3/24/2026

  20. 2026-03-18 Tennessee General Assembly

    Sponsor(s) Added.

  21. 2026-03-18 Tennessee General Assembly

    Recommended for passage with amendment/s, refer to Senate Calendar Committee Ayes 8, Nays 1 PNV 0

  22. 2026-03-17 Tennessee General Assembly

    Action def. in Health Committee to 3/24/2026

  23. 2026-03-17 Tennessee General Assembly

    Placed on Senate Health and Welfare Committee calendar for 3/18/2026

  24. 2026-03-17 Tennessee General Assembly

    Action deferred in Senate Health and Welfare Committee to 3/18/2026

  25. 2026-03-11 Tennessee General Assembly

    Placed on cal. Health Committee for 3/17/2026

  26. 2026-03-11 Tennessee General Assembly

    Placed on Senate Health and Welfare Committee calendar for 3/17/2026

  27. 2026-03-10 Tennessee General Assembly

    No Action Taken

  28. 2026-03-04 Tennessee General Assembly

    Placed on cal. Health Committee for 3/10/2026

  29. 2026-03-03 Tennessee General Assembly

    Rec for pass if am by s/c ref. to Health Committee

  30. 2026-02-25 Tennessee General Assembly

    Placed on s/c cal Population Health Subcommittee for 3/3/2026

  31. 2026-02-17 Tennessee General Assembly

    Action Def. in s/c Population Health Subcommittee to Next Available Calendar

  32. 2026-02-11 Tennessee General Assembly

    Placed on s/c cal Population Health Subcommittee for 2/17/2026

  33. 2026-02-05 Tennessee General Assembly

    Assigned to s/c Population Health Subcommittee

  34. 2026-02-05 Tennessee General Assembly

    P2C, ref. to Health Committee - Government Operations for Review

  35. 2026-02-05 Tennessee General Assembly

    Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Health and Welfare Committee

  36. 2026-02-04 Tennessee General Assembly

    Intro., P1C.

  37. 2026-02-02 Tennessee General Assembly

    Filed for introduction

  38. 2026-02-02 Tennessee General Assembly

    Introduced, Passed on First Consideration

  39. 2026-02-02 Tennessee General Assembly

    Filed for introduction

Official Summary Text

This bill generally prohibits practices in assisted reproductive technology as described below. As used in this bill, "assisted reproductive technology" means all treatments or procedures that include the handling of human oocytes or embryos, including
in vitro fertilization, gamete intrafallopian transfer, zygote intrafallopian transfer, and such other specific technologies as the United States secretary of health and human services may include, after making public any proposed definition in such manne
r
as to facilitate comment from any person, including any federal or other public agency.

PHYSICIANS GENERALLY

This bill prohibits a person from practicing in assisted reproductive technology unless the person has obtained an assisted reproductive technology certificate from the board of medical examiners. The board of medical examiners, in collaboration with th
e board of osteopathic examination, must establish requirements for a person licensed to practice medicine to obtain a certificate to practice in assisted reproductive technology. The board must issue a certificate to such a person who meets such require
me
nts.

This bill authorizes a person to practice in assisted reproductive technology if (i) the board of medical examiners has approved the person's application to practice medicine or surgery and (ii) the board determines the person has met the requirements es
tablished in this bill to receive a certificate to practice in assisted reproductive technology. However, a certified assisted reproductive technologist may delegate tasks in the practice of assisted reproductive technology to a person who is licensed as
a
nurse or physician assistant or a person holding a training license or exemption pursuant to the rules promulgated by the board of medical examiners as long as the task is within the person's training and scope of practice.

Compliance

This bill requires a certified assisted reproductive technologist to be in compliance with this bill within 60 days after the rules become effective to utilize assisted reproductive technology.

Prohibitions on genetic testing

This bill prohibits a certified assisted reproductive technologist from genetically testing an embryo unless the genetic test is for chromosomal abnormality or fatal fetal anomaly.

Affidavit required
–
Consent forms

This bill requires a certified assisted reproductive technologist to affirm by affidavit to the board that such technologist uses the standard Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) template consent form. In addition to the SART consent for
m, the certified assisted reproductive technologist must include in the consent form to a prospective patient both of the following:



A statement that the certified assisted reproductive technologist is prohibited from genetically testing an embryo unless the genetic test is for chromosomal abnormality or fatal fetal anomaly.


Confirmation from the prospective patient that such patient has a clear understanding of and provides informed consent regarding the custodial care of an unused or abandoned embryo.

Rulemaking

This bill authorizes the board of medical examiners to promulgate rules to effectuate the above provisions.

OSTEOPATHIC PHYSICIANS

This bill requires the board of osteopathic examination, in collaboration with the board of medical examiners, to establish requirements for licensed osteopathic physicians to obtain a certificate to practice in assisted reproductive technology. The boa
rd must issue a certificate to such a physician who meets such requirements. This bill places the same requirements, duties, and prohibitions on osteopathic physicians as are placed on physicians generally by the above provisions. The board of osteopath
ic
examination is authorizes to promulgate rules to effectuate these provisions.

FERTILITY CLINICS

Certification required
–
Compliance

This bill requires each fertility clinic operating in this state to obtain a certificate to utilize assisted reproductive technology. A fertility clinic must renew the clinic's certification at intervals determined by the department of health ("departme
nt"). A fertility clinic must be in compliance with this bill within 60 days after the rules become effective to utilize assisted reproductive technology. As used in this bill, a "fertility clinic" means a location that is considered an embryo laborator
y,
a location where a person is practicing assisted reproductive technology, or a location where a person is engaging in the storage of embryos.

Certification for fertility clinics
–
Inspections

This bill requires the department to (i) create a certification for fertility clinics in this state to utilize assisted reproductive technology, (ii) create requirements for the utilization of assisted reproductive technology for fertility clinics, and (
iii) conduct an annual inspection of each fertility clinic. For purposes of an inspection, each fertility clinic must provide the department access to any facilities, equipment, materials, records, and information that the department determines has a bea
ri
ng on whether the fertility clinic is operating in accordance with this bill.

This bill authorizes the department to (i) deny a fertility clinic's application for a certification to utilize assisted reproductive technology, (ii) suspend, limit, or restrict a previously certified fertility clinic for a time and in a manner as deter
mined by the department, (iii) permanently revoke a fertility clinic's certification, or (iv) refuse to renew a fertility clinic's certification.

Bond requirement

This bill requires a fertility clinic to post a bond in an amount as determined by the commissioner of health for the storage of embryos. Each certification renewal application must be accompanied by proof of such bond.

Reporting requirement

On or before January 31 of each year, this bill requires the medical director of each fertility clinic located in this state to submit a report to the federal centers for disease control and prevention (CDC) detailing the pregnancy success rates achieved
by the fertility clinic through the utilization of assisted reproductive technology from the prior calendar year. By that date, the medical director of each fertility clinic located in this state must also report to the department the pregnancy success
ra
tes achieved by the fertility clinic through the utilization of assisted reproductive technology from the prior calendar year and an affirmation that the fertility clinic submitted the report to the CDC. If a medical director fails to submit the report t
o the department, then the fertility clinic may be subject to disciplinary action by the department, which may include the suspension of the clinic's certification to utilize assisted reproductive technology.

Rulemaking

This bill authorizes the department to adopt rules to
effectuate the above provisions, including creating and establishing application requirements, fees, and standards for such certification and grounds for denying, suspending, revoking, or refusing to renew a certification.

ON APRIL 6, 2026, THE SENATE ADOPTED AMENDMENT #2 AND PASSED SENATE BILL 2461, AS AMENDED.

AMENDMENT #2 rewrites the bill to, instead, require each fertility clinic operating in this state to obtain a certificate from the department of health ("department") to perform assisted reproductive technology services. To obtain such a certificate, a
fertility clinic must submit (i) verification of the fertility clinic's Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) membership; (ii) an emergency plan for the transfer of embryos should the clinic permanently close; and (iii) proof of passing the
mo
st recent laboratory inspection from either the College of American Pathologists or the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations.

This amendment requires the clinical director of a fertility clinic to (i) be licensed to practice medicine or osteopathic medicine; (ii) be board certified in obstetrics and gynecology by a member board of the American Board of Medical Specialties; (iii
) have successfully completed a fellowship in reproductive endocrinology and infertility accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education or possesses equivalent training and experience; (iv) demonstrate substantial clinical experien
ce
in assisted reproductive technology procedures; and (v) maintain continuing education relevant to reproductive endocrinology, infertility, and assisted reproductive technology.

RULEMAKING

This amendment authorizes the department to promulgate rules as necessary to effectuate this amendment.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text
SENATE BILL 2461
By Bailey

HOUSE BILL 2290
By Williams
HB2290
010543
- 1 -

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4;
Title 29; Title 36; Title 63 and Title 68, relative to
assisted reproductive technology.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE:
SECTION 1. Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 63, Chapter 6, Part 2, is amended by
adding the following as a new section:
63-6-239. Requirements to practice in assisted reproductive technology.
(a) The board, in collaboration with the board of osteopathic examination, shall
establish requirements for a person licensed pursuant to this chapter to obtain a
certificate to practice in assisted reproductive technology.
(b) The board shall issue a certificate to a person licensed pursuant to this
chapter who meets the requirements established by the board to practice in assisted
reproductive technology.
(c) As used in this section:
(1) "Assisted reproductive technology" has the same meaning as defined
in 42 U.S.C. § 263a-7; and
(2) "Board" means the board of medical examiners.
SECTION 2. Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 63, Chapter 6, is amended by adding
the following as a new part:
63-6-1401. Part definitions.
As used in this part:
(1) "Assisted reproductive technology" has the same meaning as defined
in 42 U.S.C. § 263a-7;

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(2) "Board" means the board of medical examiners; and
(3) "Certified assisted reproductive technologist" means a person
certified to practice in assisted reproductive technology pursuant to this part.
63-6-1402. Practice in assisted reproductive technology.
(a) A person is prohibited from practicing in assisted reproductive technology
unless the person has obtained an assisted reproductive technology certificate from the
board pursuant to § 63-6-239.
(b) A person may practice in assisted reproductive technology if:
(1) The board has approved the person's application to practice medicine
or surgery, as described in § 63-6-207; and
(2) The board determines the person has met the requirements
established pursuant to § 63-6-239 to receive a certificate to practice in assisted
reproductive technology.
(c) Notwithstanding subsection (a), a certified assisted reproductive technologist
may delegate tasks in the practice of assisted reproductive technology to a person who
is licensed pursuant to chapter 7 or 19 of this title or a person holding a training license
or exemption pursuant to the rules promulgated by the board of medical examiners as
long as the task is within the person's training and scope of practice.
63-6-1403. Compliance required.
A certified assisted reproductive technologist must be in compliance with this part
within sixty (60) days after the rules become effective to utilize assisted reproductive
technology.
63-6-1404. Prohibitions on genetic testing.
A certified assisted reproductive technologist is prohibited from genetically testing
an embryo unless the genetic test is for chromosomal abnormality or fatal fetal anomaly.

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63-6-1405. Affidavit required - Consent forms.
(a) A certified assisted reproductive technologist shall affirm by affidavit to the
board that such technologist uses the standard Society for Assisted Reproductive
Technology (SART) template consent form.
(b) In addition to the SART consent form, the certified assisted reproductive
technologist must include in the consent form to a prospective patient the following:
(1) A statement that the certified assisted reproductive technologist is
prohibited from genetically testing an embryo unless the genetic test is for
chromosomal abnormality or fatal fetal anomaly; and
(2) Confirmation from the prospective patient that such patient has a
clear understanding of and provides informed consent regarding the custodial
care of an unused or abandoned embryo.
63-6-1406. Rules.
The board is authorized to promulgate rules to effectuate this part. The rules
must be promulgated in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act,
compiled in title 4, chapter 5.
SECTION 3. Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 63, Chapter 9, Part 1, is amended by
adding the following as a new section:
63-9-114. Requirements to practice in assisted reproductive technology.
(a) The board, in collaboration with the board of medical examiners, shall
establish requirements for a person licensed pursuant to this chapter to obtain a
certificate to practice in assisted reproductive technology.
(b) The board shall issue a certificate to a person licensed pursuant to this
chapter who meets the requirements established by the board to practice in assisted
reproductive technology.

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(c) As used in this section:
(1) "Assisted reproductive technology" has the same meaning as defined
in 42 U.S.C. § 263a-7; and
(2) "Board" means the board of osteopathic examination.
SECTION 4. Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 63, Chapter 9, is amended by adding
the following as a new part:
63-9-201. Part definitions.
As used in this part:
(1) "Assisted reproductive technology" has the same meaning as defined
in 42 U.S.C. § 263a-7;
(2) "Board" means the board of osteopathic examination; and
(3) "Certified assisted reproductive technologist" means a person
certified to practice assisted reproductive technology pursuant to this part.
63-9-202. Practice in assisted reproductive technology.
(a) A person is prohibited from practicing in assisted reproductive technology
unless the person has obtained an assisted reproductive technology certificate from the
board pursuant to § 63-9-114.
(b) A person may practice in assisted reproductive technology if:
(1) The board has approved the person's application to practice
osteopathic medicine, as described in § 63-9-104; and
(2) The board determines the person has met the requirements
established pursuant to § 63-9-114 to receive a certificate to practice in assisted
reproductive technology.
(c) Notwithstanding subsection (a), a certified assisted reproductive technologist
may delegate tasks in the practice of assisted reproductive technology to a person who

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is licensed pursuant to chapter 7 or 19 of this title or a person holding a training license
or exemption pursuant to the rules promulgated by the board of osteopathic examination
as long as the task is within the person's training and scope of practice.
63-9-203. Compliance.
A certified assisted reproductive technologist must be in compliance with this part
within sixty (60) days after the rules become effective to use assisted reproductive
technology.
63-9-204. Prohibitions on genetic testing.
A certified assisted reproductive technologist is prohibited from genetically testing
an embryo unless the genetic test is for chromosomal abnormality or fatal fetal anomaly.
63-9-205. Affidavit - Consent forms.
(a) A certified assisted reproductive technologist shall affirm by affidavit to the
board that the person uses the standard Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology
(SART) template consent form.
(b) In addition to the SART consent form, the certified assisted reproductive
technologist must include in the consent form to a prospective patient the following:
(1) A statement that the certified assisted reproductive technologist is
prohibited from genetically testing an embryo unless the genetic test is for
chromosomal abnormality or fatal fetal anomaly; and
(2) Confirmation from the prospective patient that such patient has a
clear understanding of and provides informed consent regarding the custodial
care of an unused or abandoned embryo.
63-9-206. Rules.

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The board is authorized to promulgate rules to effectuate this part. The rules
must be promulgated in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act,
compiled in title 4, chapter 5.
SECTION 5. Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 68, Chapter 1, is amended by adding
the following as a new part:
68-1-2101. Part definitions.
As used in this part:
(1) "Assisted reproductive technology" has the same meaning as defined
in 42 U.S.C. § 263a-7;
(2) "Department" means the department of health; and
(3) "Fertility clinic" means:
(A) A location that is considered an embryo laboratory, as defined
in 42 U.S.C. § 263a-7;
(B) A location where a person is practicing assisted reproductive
technology; or
(C) A location where a person is engaging in the storage of
embryos.
68-1-2102. Certification required - Compliance.
(a) Each fertility clinic operating in this state shall obtain a certificate to utilize
assisted reproductive technology.
(b) A fertility clinic must renew the clinic's certification at intervals determined by
the department.
(c) A fertility clinic must be in compliance with this part within sixty (60) days
after the rules become effective to utilize assisted reproductive technology.
68-1-2103. Certification for fertility clinics - Inspections - Authority.

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(a) The department shall:
(1) Create a certification for fertility clinics in this state to utilize assisted
reproductive technology;
(2) Create requirements for the utilization of assisted reproductive
technology for fertility clinics; and
(3) Conduct an annual inspection of each fertility clinic.
(b) For purposes of an inspection pursuant to subdivision (a)(3), each fertility
clinic shall provide the department access to any facilities, equipment, materials,
records, and information that the department determines has a bearing on whether the
fertility clinic is operating in accordance with this part.
(c) The department has the authority to:
(1) Deny a fertility clinic's application for a certification to utilize assisted
reproductive technology;
(2) Suspend, limit, or restrict a previously certified fertility clinic for a time
and in a manner as determined by the department;
(3) Permanently revoke a fertility clinic's certification; or
(4) Refuse to renew a fertility clinic's certification.
(d) The department is authorized to adopt rules to effectuate this part, including
creating and establishing application requirements, fees, and standards for such
certification and grounds for denying, suspending, revoking, or refusing to renew a
certification. The rules must be promulgated in accordance with the Uniform
Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5.
68-1-2104. Bond requirement.
(a) A fertility clinic shall post a bond in an amount as determined by the
commissioner of health for the storage of embryos.

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(b) Each certification renewal application must be accompanied by proof of such
bond.
68-1-2105. Reporting requirement.
(a) On or before January 31 of each year, the medical director of each fertility
clinic located in this state shall:
(1) Submit a report to the federal centers for disease control and
prevention (CDC) detailing the pregnancy success rates achieved by the fertility
clinic through the utilization of assisted reproductive technology from the prior
calendar year; and
(2) Report to the department the pregnancy success rates achieved by
the fertility clinic through the utilization of assisted reproductive technology from
the prior calendar year and an affirmation that the fertility clinic submitted the
report as described in subdivision (a)(1) to the CDC.
(b) If a medical director fails to submit the report to the department pursuant to
subsection (a), then the fertility clinic may be subject to disciplinary action by the
department, which may include the suspension of the clinic's certification to utilize
assisted reproductive technology.
68-1-2106. Rules.
The department is authorized to promulgate rules to effectuate this part. The
rules must be promulgated in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures
Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5.
SECTION 6. The headings in this act are for reference purposes only and do not
constitute a part of the law enacted by this act. However, the Tennessee Code Commission is
requested to include the headings in any compilation or publication containing this act.

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SECTION 7. For the purposes of promulgating rules, this act takes effect upon
becoming a law, the public welfare requiring it. For all other purposes, this act takes effect July
1, 2026, the public welfare requiring it.