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HB 427

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 Harold Love

Tennessee bill grants 12-week paid leave for organ donors and prohibits insurers from penalizing donors, while requiring health education materials.

Action def. in State & Local Government Committee to 3/24/2026
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Bill Summary · HB 427

Legislative bill overview

HB 427 provides eligible employees with 12 weeks of protected leave following living organ donation surgery and prohibits life insurance, disability insurance, and long-term care insurance companies from denying coverage or changing terms based solely on someone's donor status. The bill also requires the Tennessee Department of Health to create and distribute informational materials about living organ donation.

Why is this important

Living organ donation is a significant medical procedure with substantial recovery time, yet donors currently lack federal employment protections in many states. The bill addresses a practical barrier to organ donation by ensuring donors can recover without job loss, potentially increasing the organ donor pool. Insurance protections prevent financial discrimination against donors, removing another disincentive to donation.

Potential points of contention

  • Employer burden: Small employers may face operational challenges accommodating 12 weeks of employee absence, particularly in sectors with limited staffing flexibility
  • Insurance industry impact: Prohibiting underwriting decisions based on donor status may limit insurers' ability to assess actual health risks associated with organ donation, potentially affecting premium structures
  • Definition of "eligible": The bill's criteria for eligible employees is not detailed in this summary, raising questions about which workers receive protection and whether gaps exist

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

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