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HB 1979

Human Services, Dept. of - As introduced, enacts the "Promising Futures Act"; redirects certain revenues collected from taxes, fees, and assessments for vapor and hemp-derived cannabinoid products to a promising futures fund to support a variety of programs administered by the department to provide child care assistance to working families. - Amends TCA Title 4; Title 43; Title 49; Title 57; Title 67 and Title 71.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026)

Tennessee bill redirects vapor and hemp product tax revenues to fund child care assistance for working families through new "Promising Futures Act."

Rec for pass if am by s/c ref. to Finance, Ways, and Means Committee
#dept.of #humanservices
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Bill Summary · HB 1979

Legislative bill overview

HB 1979 creates the "Promising Futures Act" by redirecting tax and fee revenues from vapor and hemp-derived cannabinoid products to a dedicated fund administered by the Tennessee Department of Human Services. These revenues would support child care assistance programs for working families, effectively repurposing cannabis-related taxation for early childhood support services.

Why is this important

Child care costs remain a significant barrier for working families, and dedicated funding could expand access to affordable care. The bill uses a revenue stream that might otherwise support general operations, creating a potential trade-off between child care assistance and other state budget priorities or hemp/vapor regulatory oversight.

Potential points of contention

  • Revenue dedication concerns: Earmarking specific tax revenues limits legislative flexibility and may create funding volatility if product sales fluctuate or regulations change
  • Hemp/cannabinoid regulation trade-offs: Redirecting these revenues away from potential regulatory enforcement or public health monitoring of vapor and hemp products raises questions about funding oversight of these industries
  • Program scope and sufficiency: The bill doesn't specify benefit levels, eligibility thresholds, or whether redirected revenues will adequately fund proposed child care assistance programs

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

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