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HB 826

Children - As enacted, makes various changes and additions to the Families' Rights and Responsibilities Act, and to present law concerning parental consent for the treatment of minors. - Amends TCA Title 33; Title 36; Title 37; Title 49; Title 63 and Title 68.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Jeremy Faison

Tennessee HB 826 expands parental consent and notification requirements for medical treatment of minors across multiple health and welfare contexts, effective July 2025.

Pub. Ch. 347
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Bill Summary · HB 826

Legislative bill overview

HB 826 modifies Tennessee law regarding parental rights and consent requirements for medical treatment of minors across multiple statutory titles. The bill makes various changes to the Families' Rights and Responsibilities Act and establishes new requirements around when parents must be notified or provide consent for healthcare decisions affecting their children.

Why is this important

These changes alter the balance between parental authority and minor autonomy in healthcare decisions, potentially affecting access to certain medical treatments for teenagers. The amendments span six different title codes, suggesting broad implications across healthcare, child welfare, family law, and education systems in Tennessee.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of parental consent requirements: The bill's specific amendments to consent rules may restrict minors' independent access to certain healthcare services (the bill language does not detail which treatments are affected, making full assessment difficult)
  • Reproductive and mental health services: Changes to parental notification/consent laws in these areas are typically contentious, with debate over whether requirements protect parental rights or create barriers to care
  • Implementation across agencies: Amendments to six different title codes require coordination across child welfare, education, healthcare, and family services—raising questions about consistency and enforcement

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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