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HB 2193

Governor - As introduced, prohibits the governor from making a decision regarding the option to not enroll or to disenroll this state in the summer electronic transfer benefits program, unless authorized by the general assembly. - Amends TCA Title 71.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Michael Hale

Requires Tennessee Governor to get legislative approval before opting out of federally-funded Summer Electronic Transfer food assistance program for children.

Action Def. in s/c Health Subcommittee to 3/18/2026
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Bill Summary · HB 2193

Legislative bill overview

HB 2193 would require the Tennessee Governor to obtain General Assembly authorization before deciding to opt out of or withdraw from the Summer Electronic Transfer (SET) Benefits Program. Currently, the Governor appears to have unilateral authority to make this enrollment decision. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Title 71 to impose this legislative check on executive power.

Why is this important

The Summer Electronic Transfer program provides food assistance benefits to eligible children during summer months when school meals are unavailable. Restricting the Governor's ability to unilaterally disenroll the state ensures continued program participation requires legislative approval, potentially protecting access to these benefits for low-income families. This shifts control of a federal benefit program from the executive branch to the legislative branch.

Potential points of contention

  • Executive authority vs. legislative oversight: Questions whether the Governor's administrative discretion over federal program enrollment should be limited by legislative approval requirements
  • Program funding and federal compliance: Unclear whether federal rules allow states to condition program participation on legislative action, or if this creates administrative complications
  • Partisan disagreement on food assistance: Potential disagreement about whether the state should prioritize program enrollment, depending on views about welfare spending and government assistance programs

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

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