The Tennessee General Assembly is set to gather on January 13 to kick off the 2026 session of the 114th General Assembly. During this session, legislators are anticipated to concentrate on several critical issues, including the state budget, education, and public safety.
In a significant move, Governor Bill Lee has submitted an application for Tennessee to receive funding from the $50 billion federal Rural Health Transformation Program. The state is projected to secure a minimum of $100 million annually for five years, with opportunities for additional competitive funding. The proposal from the Department of Health aims to bolster rural health systems, enhance maternal and child health, broaden prevention and community health initiatives, invest in health technology and infrastructure, and cultivate the rural healthcare workforce. To qualify for extra funding, states must align their initiatives with federal priorities, which may lead lawmakers to reassess certificate-of-need requirements and scope-of-practice regulations during the upcoming session.
Addressing food insecurity remains a significant concern for the assembly. In the previous session, the General Assembly allocated $500,000 to Second Harvest Food Bank, while Governor Lee directed an additional $5 million in state funds to support food banks amid the federal shutdown. Recent changes under H.R. 1 have increased Tennessee’s financial obligations regarding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), including covering 75% of specific administrative costs and contributing to benefit costs associated with payment error rates. In light of these developments, lawmakers may take a closer look at SNAP oversight, efficiency, and workforce requirements.
The state also faced a $44.5 million decrease in federal funding from the Child Care Development Fund for fiscal year 2025, impacting programs like Smart Steps. With nearly half of Tennessee’s population residing in areas classified as child care deserts, legislators may explore issues related to child care capacity, affordability, and the sustainability of programs during the 2026 session.
The rise in opioid use disorder continues to be a pressing issue. In 2024, approximately 1,447 per 100,000 insured Tennesseans sought treatment, a figure that is nearly four times higher than the rate recorded in 2021. Lawmakers are expected to analyze data trends and deliberate on policies concerning treatment, prevention, and public safety.
Additionally, the integration of artificial intelligence into healthcare is becoming more prevalent. Legislators are likely to evaluate the potential advantages, such as increased efficiency and innovation, while also addressing concerns related to patient safety, data privacy, and the need for regulatory oversight.
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