2026 TN Legislative Session Wrap Up

The dust has settled on the 2026 TN General Assembly legislative session. This year, the Disability Coalition tracked more than 100 bills with the potential to affect Tennesseans with disabilities.

As in most years, many bills never made it to the floor. Sometimes that is good news; other times it means promising ideas fail to advance. Together with our members and partners, we worked to stop harmful legislation and advocate for policies that support people with disabilities and their families.

The final report does not include every bill we monitored. Many measures ultimately stalled or were withdrawn. TDC Comprehensive Final Bill Tracking TDC Comprehensive Final Bill Tracking

We have also prepared a separate document highlighting legislation of particular interest to our members and partner organizations. Final Bill Tracking – member and partner bills Final Bill Tracking – member and partner bills

Below we highlight the impact of this legislative session on our three policy priority areas for Tennesseans with disabilities: Education, Access to Care, and Paid Family Caregiving.

Education
Perhaps the most controversial education issue of the year was the expansion of the school voucher program. Because most students with disabilities are served in public schools, changes to education funding and policy can have significant implications for these students and their families.

An administration bill, SB2228/HB2533, was a wide-ranging “clean-up” measure that addressed numerous education-related issues. Among its provisions were changes to standards governing individualized education accounts, creating concerns for some students with disabilities who rely on these accounts.

Another bill, SB2055/HB2327, requires local education agencies (LEAs) and public charter schools to allow certain private-pay providers access to students with autism spectrum disorder or developmental delays during the school day. Under the legislation, providers contracted by a parent or legal guardian may deliver private-pay services in educational settings.

Access to Care
The state budget had the greatest impact on access to care this year. As one of Tennessee’s largest agencies, TennCare plays a critical role in determining whether people with disabilities can access needed services and supports.

This year’s budget includes nearly $85 million in new state and federal funding for ECF CHOICES. These funds will support approximately 300 crisis placements and provide services to an additional 2,500 individuals currently on the waiting list.

While this investment is significant, funding alone is not enough. A sufficient workforce is needed to deliver these services, and workforce shortages remain a persistent challenge across the state.

The TennCare budget also includes $31 million to expand CHOICES 3 services to an additional 2,000 adults with physical disabilities and older adults.

Paid Family Caregiving
The General Assembly did not directly address paid family caregiving this session. However, lawmakers showed increased interest in supporting caregivers through a variety of initiatives.

One notable step was the passage of SB1777/HB1443, which establishes a Family Caregiver Grant Fund within the Department of Disability and Aging. While the program has a narrow focus and received only a modest, nonrecurring appropriation, it represents an important first step toward recognizing and supporting family caregivers.

At the same time, administrative policies related to paid family caregiving continue to evolve, and the Coalition will continue monitoring developments in this area.

Coalition Members and Partners
Congratulations to TNCO on the passage of SB2167/HB2411, which adds TennCare representation to the DDA Statewide Policy and Planning Council.

Advocacy efforts also paid off with the passage of SB1843/HB1644, the Nitrous Oxide Abuse Prevention and Retail Sale Prohibition Act.

Looking Ahead
As always, some excellent bills failed to advance, while other proposals that could have had negative consequences did not move forward. Legislative advocacy is an ongoing effort, and every voice matters.Thank you to our members, partners, and advocates who stayed engaged throughout the session. Your involvement helps shape policy and improve outcomes for Tennesseans with disabilities.