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SB 1287

Welfare - As enacted, removes the requirement that a parent or caretaker enter a personal responsibility plan that requires a child to attend school and receive immunizations and health checks; removes certain requirements for a parent or caretaker regarding personal responsibility plans; removes a 20 percent reduction in temporary assistance payments for failure to comply with certain personal responsibility plan requirements. - Amends TCA Title 71.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026)

Tennessee eliminates welfare work requirements and immunization/school mandates for recipients, removing 20% payment penalties for non-compliance.

Comp. became Pub. Ch. 81
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Bill Summary · SB 1287

Legislative bill overview

SB 1287 eliminates mandatory personal responsibility plans for welfare recipients that previously required school attendance and immunizations for children. The bill removes penalties including 20% payment reductions for non-compliance with these requirements. This represents a significant reduction in conditions attached to receiving temporary assistance benefits in Tennessee.

Why is this important

Welfare conditions directly affect low-income families' access to basic support. This change either increases program accessibility for struggling families or reduces accountability mechanisms—depending on perspective—potentially impacting child health outcomes, school enrollment rates, and program effectiveness. The bill became law in April 2025, making this currently active policy.

Potential points of contention

  • Child welfare outcomes: Removing school attendance requirements may reduce educational engagement, while supporters argue families face barriers making compliance difficult
  • Public health impact: Eliminating immunization requirements conflicts with disease prevention goals, though critics note coercive approaches may be ineffective
  • Program accountability vs. assistance access: Removing penalties may help struggling families access aid faster, but reduces tools to promote behavioral change or program compliance

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

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