Health, Dept. of - As introduced, directs the department to conduct a study on health concerns of, and identifying obstacles for receiving better care for, persons whose biological sex is female; requires the department to submit a report to the members of the general assembly on the results of the study on or before January 1, 2027. - Amends TCA Title 28; Title 29; Title 49; Title 56; Title 63 and Title 68.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Brent Taylor

Directs the Tennessee Department of Health to study health concerns and care access for individuals biologically female and report findings to the General Assembly by Jan 1, 2027.

Assigned to General Subcommittee of Senate Commerce and Labor Committee

#dept.of #health

Basic Information

Official Title: An Act to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 28; Title 29; Title 49; Title 56; Title 63 and Title 68, relative to a person's sex.

Purpose (as introduced): Directs the Department of Health to conduct a study on health concerns of, and identifying obstacles for receiving better care for, persons whose biological sex is female; requires the department to submit a report to the General Assembly with the study results.

Introduced by: Senate sponsor Brent Taylor; House sponsor Maberry (SB 2044 / HB 1990)

Status & Schedule: Assigned to the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee (April 7, 2026); previously sent to the committee for consideration on multiple occasions with deferred actions in early 2026.

Effective Date: Takes effect upon becoming law.

Key Provisions

Duty to Study:

The Tennessee Department of Health (DOH) must conduct a study focusing on:
- Health concerns affecting individuals whose biological sex is female.
- Obstacles these individuals face in receiving better or more appropriate health care.

Reporting Requirement:

DOH must provide a written report detailing the study results to the members of the Tennessee General Assembly.
Deadline for report: On or before January 1, 2027.

Scope and Source of Data (implied):

The bill references DOH’s existing divisions that study women’s health issues (e.g., Division of Family Health and Wellness; Division of Health Disparities Elimination). The fiscal note implies the study would utilize current DOH resources rather than require a new or expanded budget.

Effective Date:

The act becomes law when it is enacted by the General Assembly and signed by the Governor (i.e., “upon becoming a law, the public welfare requiring it”).

Who Is Affected

Primary Entity: Tennessee Department of Health (DOH) — responsible for carrying out the study.

Indirect Beneficiaries/Subjects: Persons whose biological sex is female in Tennessee, as the study concerns their health concerns and barriers to care.

Legislative and Oversight Bodies: Tennessee General Assembly will receive the final study report by the mandated date.

Timeline and Procedural Details

Study Period: Not explicitly defined in the text; the required report is due by January 1, 2027.

Reporting Timeline: Final report due to General Assembly by the specified date.

Process: Committee action history shows movement within the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee, signaling potential consideration and possible amendment before a full chamber vote.

Fiscal Impact

Estimated Cost: Not significant.

Rationale: DOH is anticipated to conduct the study using existing divisions and resources (e.g., Division of Family Health and Wellness and Division of Health Disparities Elimination), without a substantial increase in expenditures.

Plain-language Takeaway

This bill directs Tennessee’s Department of Health to study health issues and access barriers specifically affecting people who are biologically female, and to report the findings to the General Assembly by January 1, 2027. The operation is expected to rely on current DOH staff and resources, with no notable new cost projected. The outcome will inform lawmakers about priorities or policy considerations related to women’s health in Tennessee.

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