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HB 827

Employees, Employers - As introduced, requires an employer that terminates the employment of an employee who the employer knows to be pregnant and who is covered under an employer-sponsored health benefit plan to continue to provide coverage under the plan until the employee’s pregnancy ends. - Amends TCA Title 8, Chapter 27; Title 50; Title 56 and Title 71.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Ronnie Glynn

Requires Tennessee employers to maintain health insurance coverage for terminated pregnant employees until pregnancy ends, amending state employment and health insurance law.

Assigned to s/c Banking & Consumer Affairs Subcommittee
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 827

Legislative bill overview

HB 827 mandates that Tennessee employers must continue providing health insurance coverage to pregnant employees for the duration of their pregnancy if they are terminated while enrolled in an employer-sponsored plan. The bill amends multiple Tennessee Code sections governing employment, health insurance, and related regulations.

Why is this important

Pregnancy-related job loss can create gaps in critical health coverage during a medically vulnerable period. This bill addresses situations where pregnant workers lose both employment and health benefits simultaneously, potentially affecting prenatal care, delivery costs, and postpartum coverage. The requirement impacts how employers manage terminations and health plan administration.

Potential points of contention

  • Employer cost burden: Companies may argue that mandating continued coverage for terminated employees creates unfunded financial obligations, particularly for smaller employers
  • Definition and enforcement scope: Ambiguity about what constitutes employer "knowledge" of pregnancy and how violations are enforced could create compliance confusion
  • Interaction with federal law: Potential overlap or conflict with COBRA continuation coverage rules and ACA provisions already addressing post-termination coverage may create regulatory confusion

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

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