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HB 755

Estates - As enacted, removes the cap on the amount of wages or other compensation owed a deceased employee at the time of the employee's death that an employer shall pay directly to the surviving spouse of the decedent or, if there is no surviving spouse, to the surviving children of the decedent as tenants in common. - Amends TCA Title 30 and Title 31.

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

Tennessee removes wage payment caps to deceased employees' families, allowing employers to pay all unpaid compensation directly to surviving spouses or children outside probate court.

Pub. Ch. 194
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Bill Summary · HB 755

Legislative bill overview

HB 755 eliminates the cap on how much unpaid wages and compensation an employer must pay directly to a deceased employee's surviving spouse or children without going through the formal estate/probate process. Previously, Tennessee law limited this direct payment to a specific amount; this bill removes that restriction entirely.

Why is this important

This change affects grieving families by allowing them to receive all outstanding wages owed to a deceased worker more quickly and without navigating probate court. For families dependent on that final paycheck, removing bureaucratic delays can provide meaningful immediate financial relief during a difficult time.

Potential points of contention

  • Employer burden: Employers now bear full liability for determining and paying all outstanding compensation without a monetary cap, which could incentivize disputes or complications in calculating what is "owed"
  • Probate process concerns: Removing caps may allow larger sums to bypass normal estate distribution rules, potentially disadvantaging other creditors or heirs who would have claims in probate
  • Definition ambiguity: The bill references "wages or other compensation" without clarifying what qualifies—bonuses, commissions, deferred benefits, and stock options could be interpreted differently

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

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