Tennessee · 114th Regular Session (2025-2026) · Bill

HB 1859: Health Care - As introduced, enacts the "Freedom from Medical Debt Act," which requires the state treasurer to contract with a nonprofit entity to acquire and repay certain medical debts for Tennessee residents with incomes at or below 400 percent of the federal poverty level or who owe medical debt equal to 5 percent or more of their household income, and prohibits healthcare providers from reporting a patient's medical debt to a consumer reporting agency. - Amends TCA Title 4; Title 8; Title 9; Title 47, Chapter 18; Title 63; Title 68 and Title 71.

In committee Last action March 11, 2026: Taken off notice for cal in s/c Banking and Consumer Affairs Subcommittee of Commerce Committee

Plain-language summary

HB 1859 is a bill introduced in the Tennessee House on January 21, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: Health Care - As introduced, enacts the "Freedom from Medical Debt Act," which requires the state treasurer to contract with a nonprofit entity to acquire and repay certain medical debts for Tennessee residents with incomes at or below 400 percent of the federal poverty level or who owe medical debt equal to 5 percent or more of their household income, and prohibits healthcare providers from reporting a patient's medical debt to a consumer reporting agency. - Amends TCA Title 4; Title 8; Title 9; Title 47, Chapter 18; Title 63; Title 68 and Title 71. Primary sponsor: Shaundelle Brooks (Democratic). Most recent recorded action (March 11, 2026): Taken off notice for cal in s/c Banking and Consumer Affairs Subcommittee of Commerce Committee.

Sponsors

Primary sponsor: Shaundelle Brooks (Democratic).