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SB 579

Employees, Employers - As introduced, allows for eligible employees to be absent 12 weeks from work following a living organ donation surgery; prohibits insurers from denying coverage or varying any term or condition of a life insurance policy, disability insurance policy, or long-term care insurance policy based solely on the person's status as a living organ donor; requires the department of health to create living organ donor informational material and make such material available on the department's website. - Amends TCA Title 4; Title 8; Title 50; Title 56 and Title 68.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Raumesh Akbari

Protects living organ donors with 12 weeks job-protected leave and insurance non-discrimination while requiring state health education on donation.

Transmitted to Governor for action.
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Bill Summary · SB 579

Legislative bill overview

SB 579 protects living organ donors by guaranteeing 12 weeks of job-protected leave following donation surgery and prohibiting insurance companies from denying or modifying life, disability, or long-term care insurance based solely on donor status. The bill also requires the Tennessee Department of Health to develop and distribute educational materials about organ donation.

Why is this important

Living organ donation saves lives but carries real health risks and recovery time that can create financial hardship for donors. Without these protections, potential donors might avoid helping others due to fear of job loss or insurance denial, ultimately reducing available organs for transplant patients. The insurance protections address a documented concern that donors face discrimination in the insurance market.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost to employers: The 12-week paid leave requirement (or job protection during unpaid leave) creates operational and financial burdens for businesses, particularly small employers, though the bill doesn't specify whether leave is paid or unpaid
  • Insurance industry impact: Prohibiting underwriting based on donor status may increase insurance costs for all policyholders if insurers cannot assess donation-related health risks, or it may be seen as unfair to those who don't donate
  • Definition ambiguity: The phrase "solely on the person's status" could be interpreted narrowly (only donor status matters) versus broadly (any consideration of health risks from donation is prohibited), creating enforcement uncertainty

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

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