SB 402 – HB 539
FISCAL NOTE
Fiscal Review Committee
Tennessee General Assembly
February 1, 2025
Fiscal Analyst: Arielle Woodmore | Email: arielle.woodmore@capitol.tn.gov | Phone: 615-741-2564
SB 402 – HB 539
SUMMARY OF BILL: Prohibits a healthcare provider from reporting a patient’s medical
debt to a consumer reporting agency. Prohibits a consumer reporting agency from including a
record of medical debt on a consumer report. Authorizes a person to dispute such information that
is included on a report that applies to the person.
Establishes that a violation of such is an unfair or deceptive act or practice under the Consumer
Protection Act of 1977. Grants the Attorney General and Reporter (AG) the authority to institute
proceedings for an alleged violation. Prohibits costs of any kind or nature from being taxed against
the AG or the state in actions commenced related to such violations.
FISCAL IMPACT:
NOT SIGNIFICANT
Assumptions:
• Any increase in the number of complaints handled by the AG is estimated to be not
significant and can be handled by existing staff during normal work hours.
• Committing an unfair or deceptive practice under the Consumer Protection Act of 1977 is a
Class B misdemeanor offense.
• There will not be a sufficient number of prosecutions for state or local government to
experience any significant increase in revenue or expenditures.
• Any additional workload on the courts as a result of this legislation can be accommodated
within existing resources and personnel.
IMPACT TO COMMERCE:
NOT SIGNIFICANT
Assumption:
• Any impact to commerce or jobs in Tennessee is estimated to be not significant.
SB 402 – HB 539 2
CERTIFICATION:
The information contained herein is true and correct to the best of my knowledge.
Bojan Savic, Executive Director