TN
Tennessee Senate Bill SB1294

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

Tennessee Senate Bill SB1294

Introduced
1/31/23  
Chaptered
5/3/23  

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 56, Chapter 7, Part 27, relative to genetic information.

Impact

The enactment of SB 1294 is expected to significantly impact the landscape of insurance regulations in Tennessee, especially concerning how genetic information is utilized and protected. By preventing life insurers from using genetic data against applicants, the bill aims to enhance privacy and non-discrimination protections for policyholders. It seeks to ensure that genetic predispositions do not adversely affect an individual's access to life insurance, ultimately encouraging individuals to seek coverage without the fear of being penalized for their genetic background.

Summary

Senate Bill 1294, also known as HB1309, aims to amend the Tennessee Code concerning genetic information in the context of life and health insurance. The bill prohibits life insurance providers from canceling coverage based solely on an individual's genetic information and bars them from requiring genetic tests as a condition for insurability. Additionally, it mandates that insurers cannot access sensitive genetic data without obtaining explicit, written consent from the individual.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding SB 1294 appears to be supportive, particularly among advocates for genetic privacy and non-discrimination in insurance practices. Supporters argue that the bill is essential for protecting individuals from potential discrimination based on genetic predispositions, which could deter them from obtaining necessary life insurance. However, there may be some concerns from insurance providers regarding the limitations placed on underwriting practices, arguing that it may complicate their risk assessments.

Contention

Notable points of contention may revolve around the balance between protecting individuals' rights and ensuring that insurance companies can adequately assess risk without being overly restricted by legal constraints. While proponents of the bill laud it as a critical advancement for personal privacy rights, opponents may raise concerns about the potential implications for actuarial practices within the insurance industry. The discussions around this bill indicate a need for further exploration of what constitutes fair and ethical use of genetic information in the realm of insurance.

Latest SB1294 Activity

Companion Bills

TN HB1309

Crossfiled AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 56, Chapter 7, Part 27, relative to genetic information.

Similar Bills

TN HB0992

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 1, Chapter 3; Section 2-3-107; Title 4, Chapter 29, Part 2; Section 8-35-242; Section 8-38-126; Section 9-8-203; Section 10-7-504; Section 37-1-408 and Title 49, relative to charter schools.

TN SB1014

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 1, Chapter 3; Section 2-3-107; Title 4, Chapter 29, Part 2; Section 8-35-242; Section 8-38-126; Section 9-8-203; Section 10-7-504; Section 37-1-408 and Title 49, relative to charter schools.

TN HB0074

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 2; Title 4; Title 8; Title 36; Title 37; Title 38; Title 40; Title 41; Title 49; Title 50; Title 54; Title 55; Title 62; Title 63 and Title 68, relative to high school equivalency credentials.

TN SB0255

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 2; Title 4; Title 8; Title 36; Title 37; Title 38; Title 40; Title 41; Title 49; Title 50; Title 54; Title 55; Title 62; Title 63 and Title 68, relative to high school equivalency credentials.

TN HB0321

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 1; Title 2; Title 3; Title 4; Title 5; Title 7; Title 8; Title 9; Title 10; Title 11; Title 12; Title 13; Title 16; Title 20; Title 22; Title 24; Title 31; Title 33; Title 36; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 43; Title 44; Title 45; Title 47; Title 48; Title 49; Title 50; Title 53; Title 54; Title 55; Title 56; Title 61; Title 62; Title 63; Title 64; Title 65; Title 66; Title 67; Title 68; Title 69 and Title 71, relative to electronic transmissions.

TN SB0329

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 1; Title 2; Title 3; Title 4; Title 5; Title 7; Title 8; Title 9; Title 10; Title 11; Title 12; Title 13; Title 16; Title 20; Title 22; Title 24; Title 31; Title 33; Title 36; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 43; Title 44; Title 45; Title 47; Title 48; Title 49; Title 50; Title 53; Title 54; Title 55; Title 56; Title 61; Title 62; Title 63; Title 64; Title 65; Title 66; Title 67; Title 68; Title 69 and Title 71, relative to electronic transmissions.

TN SB1227

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Chapter 7; Title 8; Title 10; Title 33; Title 36; Title 37; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 49; Title 50; Title 57; Title 67; Title 68 and Title 70, relative to firearms.

TN HB1189

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Chapter 7; Title 8; Title 10; Title 33; Title 36; Title 37; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 49; Title 50; Title 57; Title 67; Title 68 and Title 70, relative to firearms.