What happens in Nashville affects our lives in Appalachia.
Laws passed in Tennessee shape access to health care, immigrant safety, public education, and our basic freedoms. That’s why A.R.I.S.E. Appalachia closely follows legislation that impacts our communities.
As part of TAPP — Tennessee Advocates for Planned Parenthood, we track bills related to bodily autonomy, reproductive health, and related justice issues, and we organize our members to take action when it matters most.
2026 Tennessee Legislative Session Quick Facts
Maternal Health Care Protection Act
HB2523/ SB2510 — sponsored by Representative Aftyn Behn (D-Nashville) and Senator Charlane Oliver (D-Nashville).
Aims to establish protections for pregnant people in the face of the Medical Ethics Defense Act.
The Abortion Patient Execution Bill
HB0570/ SB0738— sponsored by Representative Jody Barrett (R-Dickson) and Senator Mark Pody (R-Lebanon).
Has been amended to restructure the Tennessee criminal code to enable the charging of homicide offenses, including first-degree murder, against abortion patients.
The Abortion Pill Bill
HB0026/ SB0194 was taken off notice in the House of Representatives in March of 2025, but was resurrected as an amendment on HB0005/SB0419, sponsored by Representative Gino Bulso (R-Brentwood) and Senator Joey Hensley (R-Hohenwald).
Outlines civil penalties up to $5 million for sending medication abortion pills into Tennessee.
Gender-Affirming Health Care Reporting Act
HB0754/ SB0676 — sponsored by Representative Jeremy Faison (R-Cosby) and Senator Brent Taylor (R-Memphis).
Would mandate that state-funded clinics that provide gender-affirming healthcare (GAH) offer detransition services, and insurance companies covering GAH report detransition information to the department of health.
Prohibiting TennCare Coverage of Gender-Affirming Health Care
HB2498/ SB2118 — sponsored by Representative Kip Capley (R-Summertown) and Senator Adam Lowe (R-Calhoun).
Would prevent TennCare from providing coverage or reimbursement for gender-affirming health care (GAH), both in-person and via telehealth.
The IVF Restrictions Act
HB2290/ SB2461 — sponsored by Representative Ryan Williams (R-Cookeville) and Senator Paul Bailey (R-Sparta).
Would require that physicians and practitioners providing assisted reproductive technology services (ART), including in vitro fertilization (IVF), acquire certification for these services.
The Forced Birth Celebration Act
HB1784/ SB1940 — sponsored by Representative Gino Bulso (R-Brentwood) and Senator Joey Hensley (R-Hohenwald).
Would establish an annual anti-abortion holiday in Tennessee on January 22nd. Roe v. Wade was decided on January 22, 1973.
The Fetal Personhood Amendment
HJR0007 — sponsored by Representative Gino Bulso (R-Brentwood).
Resolution proposes an amendment to the Constitution of Tennessee that defines personhood as beginning at fertilization.
Banning Bostock and Permitting Discrimination
HB1472/ SB1745 — sponsored by Representative Gino Bulso (R-Brentwood) and Senator Janice Bowling (R-Tullahoma).
Would ban Tennessee courts from using the reasoning behind the Bostock case when interpreting state or local laws related to sex discrimination, or claims under the Tennessee Human Rights Act and relevant local laws.
Prohibiting ICE in Physicians’ Offices and Hospitals
HB2249/ SB2497 — sponsored by Representative Gloria Johnson (D-Knoxville) and Senator Sara Kyle (D-Memphis).
This bill would prevent branches of the US Department of Homeland Security from coming into physicians’ offices and hospitals in order to conduct law enforcement activities related to immigration in the state of Tennessee.
Take Action!
Ask your representatives to co-sponsor the Maternal Health Care Protection Act
Sign the petition supporting the Maternal Health Care Protection Act
Attend Planned Parenthood’s Advocacy Day on the Hill on March 24
Call your legislators every Friday at noon CST/1pm EST
Stay informed about where this legislation moves at our next webinar on March 16
Why It Matters
Many of the biggest threats to bodily autonomy and community safety happen quietly in legislative committees. By watching bills closely and responding together, we make sure our voices are heard—loudly and clearly.
