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HB 1534

Health, Dept. of - As introduced, authorizes the commissioner to utilize Title V funds, to the extent permitted by federal law, to establish a program to provide funds to women whose pregnancies have ended in stillbirth for the purposes of offsetting burial or disposition costs of the stillborn child's remains and educational scholarships for such women; authorizes the commissioner to seek any necessary federal waiver or authorization to create such program. - Amends TCA Title 49 and Title 68.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Johnny Shaw

Bill authorizes Tennessee to use federal Title V funds for burial costs and scholarships for women experiencing stillbirths, pending federal waiver approval.

Taken off notice for cal in s/c Finance, Ways, and Means Subcommittee of Finance, Ways, and Means Committee
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Bill Summary · HB 1534

Legislative bill overview

HB 1534 authorizes Tennessee's Department of Health to use Title V federal funds (maternal and child health funding) to create a program providing financial assistance to women who experience stillbirths. The assistance would cover burial/disposition costs for the stillborn child and educational scholarships for the affected mothers, with the commissioner empowered to seek federal waivers if needed.

Why is this important

Stillbirth creates significant emotional and financial burden on families. This bill addresses the practical financial barriers some women face after experiencing pregnancy loss, while potentially expanding use of existing federal maternal health funds in a new direction. The outcome depends largely on whether federal authorities approve the requested waiver, making implementation uncertain.

Potential points of contention

  • Federal fund reallocation: Title V funds are federally designated for maternal and child health services; redirecting them to post-loss support may face federal approval challenges or could reduce funding for other maternal health programs
  • Program scope and definition: The bill doesn't specify income thresholds, coverage limits, or how "educational scholarships" would function—leaving significant administrative details undefined
  • Precedent for federal funds: Approval could establish a template for states to repurpose maternal health federal funding, which may concern federal agencies about mission creep

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

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