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TennesseeHB 1409114th General Assembly (2025-2026)HouseWALLET
AN ACT to make appropriations for the purpose of defraying the expenses of the state government for the fiscal years beginning July 1, 2024, and July 1, 2025, in the administration, operation and maintenance of the legislative, executive and judicial branches of the various departments, institutions, offices and agencies of the state; for certain state aid and obligations; for capital outlay, for the service of the public debt, for emergency and contingency; to repeal certain appropriations and any acts inconsistent herewith; to provide provisional continuing appropriations; and to establish certain provisions, limitations and restrictions under which appropriations may be obligated and expended. This act makes appropriations for the purposes described above for the fiscal years beginning July 1, 2024, and July 1, 2025.
Sponsored By: Sponsor information unavailable
Signed by Governor
Appropriations
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Bill Overview
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169 provisions identified: 149 benefits, 15 costs, 5 mixed.
College students get funded scholarship awards
For 2025–2026, eligible students receive ASPIRE supplements of $750 per semester at four-year schools or $250 at two-year schools. The General Assembly Merit Scholar supplement is $500 per semester. The Wilder-Naifeh Technical Skills Grant is $2,000 per trimester, and the Helping Heroes Grant is $1,000 per semester. Students must qualify for each program; other listed award amounts follow existing statutes. Beginning July 1, 2025, Tennessee also provides about $125.26 million for Student Assistance Awards, without changing eligibility or specifying individual amounts.
Public schools get funding and growth aid
For 2025–2026, Tennessee provides about $6.97 billion through Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement, its public-school funding program. Eligible school districts can receive fast-growth and infrastructure stipends totaling up to $60 million under the program's eligibility rules. Infrastructure stipends cannot exceed $5 million of that total. If formula funding exceeds its budget, education officials can use specified unused or prorated funds to avoid across-the-board reductions. That use requires approval from the Commissioner of Finance and Administration.
School funding supports students and teacher raises
Tennessee funds 70% of base and weighted school allocations, plus 100% of direct funding and outcomes bonuses. The $7,295 base per student includes state and required local money; $125 million is reserved for current educators’ raises. Schools get $500 for eligible rising fourth graders and K–3 students scoring below or approaching proficiency on their latest English test. Funding includes $43 per assessment attempt for high school juniors and seniors who have taken a postsecondary-readiness assessment no more than once. Career program funding ranges from $5,000 to $5,700 by level and year, with $2 million for identified high-cost level-two or level-three programs. Outcomes bonuses total $80 million. Charter facilities receive $22 million based on eligible students’ average daily membership shares, plus a separate one-time $20 million distributed per pupil. For 2025–2026, disadvantaged-student allocations limit each district’s gap reduction to 75% compared with 2024–2025. Local fiscal capacity uses the average of Boyd Center and state intergovernmental commission estimates.
Assessment funding supports TennCare hospital payments
The law provides $1.5739095 billion in one-time TennCare funding, contingent on the annual coverage assessment act becoming law. Extra collections may fund hospital payments for unreimbursed costs; collection shortfalls reduce the directed hospital payment funding. Without the assessment law, the appropriation falls by the full amount. Federal rejection of the assessment for Medicaid matching cancels the related funding. These payments go to hospitals, not directly to households.
Civil legal help for low-income residents
The law funds civil legal representation for low-income Tennesseans through earmarked litigation and bail bond taxes. Legal help follows Tennessee's existing civil legal aid law. The Commissioner of Finance and Administration can adjust funding as program revenue comes in. This appropriation does not set an income cutoff or a household payment amount.
Funding supports law enforcement death benefits
The law provides $1 million for law enforcement death benefits. The funding supports eligible beneficiaries under Tennessee's death-benefit programs. This provision does not state individual payment amounts or additional eligibility conditions.
Life insurance help for activated Guardsmen
The Department of Military can pay participating National Guardsmen's costs in the state-approved Group Life Insurance Plan. This authority applies while they are called to Tennessee state active duty. The law does not state the premium or coverage amount.
Counseling support for veterans and families
The law directs $700,000 to Centerstone Military Services for counseling for veterans and family members with post-traumatic stress disorder. Those services cover three Tennessee regions. A separate one-time $500,000 grant through Veterans Services supports behavioral health care across all three grand divisions. That grant serves veterans, reservists, National Guard members, and families, including through the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic. Neither grant sets individual payments.
Funding supports adult and county healthcare
Beginning July 1, 2025, the Health Department receives $3 million in one-time funds for Adult Healthcare Safety Net services. Another $4 million in one-time TennCare shared savings replaces lost federal funding for county health departments already under construction. This includes the Clay County Health Department. These provisions do not set individual payments or change service eligibility.
Funding supports children in state care
The law provides $41.4765 million to Children's Services and $5.277 million to TennCare for residential custodial costs. Together, that is $46.7535 million for children in state custody. Unused one-time funds also remain available for juvenile mental health evaluations through the Judicial Branch. These provisions do not change eligibility or create direct household payments.
Medical insurance support for public retirees
The State Insurance Committee must maintain contributions for eligible retired state employees and teachers enrolled in supplemental medical insurance. The annualized contribution rate cannot exceed the money appropriated for that purpose. It requires approval from the Commissioner of Finance and Administration. The law does not state the contribution amount.
New Families First standards for families
Beginning July 1, 2025, Human Services must set a Families First need standard for each family size by rule. It can also set extra grants for specified recipient groups after consulting the state finance commissioner. The law does not set benefit amounts or guarantee extra grants.
One-time funding supports TennCare services
Beginning July 1, 2025, the law directs $78 million in one-time TennCare shared savings to support services. The money buys back TennCare services funded through the annual hospital assessment. This provision does not change eligibility or set a benefit amount for each person.
Schools must share employee health premiums
Local school agencies must pay at least 45% of participating instructional employees' selected monthly basic health-plan premiums. They must pay at least 10% for participating support staff. These minimums apply to authorized local education health coverage. The Local Education Insurance Committee must set 2026 plans and premiums to cover expenses and approved reserves, with state finance approval.
State employee leave and benefits funded
The Education budget includes $10 million for paid parental leave, without setting individual leave length, pay, or eligibility rules. The law also funds cafeteria-plan administration and increased participation costs. It provides up to $1 million for wellness or insurance, $10,000 for daycare, and $154,500 for sick-leave-bank administration. Daycare funding requires the finance commissioner's approval. A 401(k) employer match applies to employees on centralized state payroll, but the match amount is not stated.
State employers share employee insurance costs
State employers must pay at least 80% of participating covered individuals' basic health-plan costs and 50% of dental costs. They must pay 100% of specified employee long-term disability coverage and basic term life and accident coverage. Total employer contributions cannot exceed appropriated amounts, and 2026 plans, premiums, and contributions require approval within stated funding limits. Annualized rate and benefit adjustments begin January 1, 2026, to keep costs within recurring revenues and necessary reserves.
Travel help for St. Jude families
The law gives St. Jude Hospital in Memphis $263,700 to help patients and families travel to and from the hospital. Applicants must be Tennessee citizens and residents. The hospital awards help based on need and requires documents showing need and travel expenses. The law does not set an individual payment amount.
Housing assistance keeps access to funding
The Tennessee Housing Development Agency receives available federal funds sufficient to meet Section 8 and Hardest Hit Fund obligations. This funding is limited to available federal money. The agency also receives sale and rental proceeds from housing and other property rehabilitated through the Neighborhood Stabilization Program. These provisions do not set funding totals, household payments, housing prices, or new eligibility rules.
Mortgage help and consumer education continue
Unused mortgage-settlement funds carry forward from a $34.5 million allocation for Keep My Tennessee Home assistance and foreclosure counseling. Allocations of $250,000 for consumer education and $1 million for specified Financial Institutions activities also carry forward. The $1 million includes a $125,000 financial-literacy grant. The Financial Institutions commissioner can shift money among four specified department activities, while funds remain limited to their designated purposes. The provision does not set household awards or eligibility rules.
Emergency medical workers can earn training bonuses
Emergency medical services workers employed by eligible local governments can receive training bonuses of up to $800 each. They must successfully complete at least 40 hours of qualifying in-service training during calendar year 2025. Training must fit their rank, responsibilities, and department's size and location. The school must be established or certified by the emergency medical services board; the exact individual payment is not specified.
Families get funded Education Freedom scholarships
Beginning July 1, 2025, Tennessee provides $148.6 million for the Education Freedom Scholarship Program for 2025–2026. The money funds scholarships for participating students and families. This appropriation does not change eligibility or specify each student's award.
Scholarship funding targets future graduate teachers
Beginning July 1, 2025, the law sets aside $1.1019 million to expand Tennessee Future Teacher Scholarship eligibility. The expansion covers post-baccalaureate students enrolled in approved teacher preparation programs. The funding depends on Senate Bill 682 / House Bill 504 becoming law. The act also states intent to earmark another $1.4424 million from unused balances in fiscal years 2026–2027 and 2027–2028. It does not set each student’s scholarship amount.
State and college employees get raise funding
Beginning July 1, 2025, the law funds across-the-board raises for covered non-executive state employees, excluding three separately treated statutory classes. For those three classes, the appointing authority decides each raise, including whether an employee gets one. Executive-branch funding must partly support raises based on employee reviews; some can adjust salary ranges. College governing boards set increases funded through the higher-education salary pool. The law also funds raises for employees covered by survey-based commissioned-officer pay plans in the Safety Department, law enforcement training academy, and officer standards commission. Employees covered by the Wildlife Resources Agency’s survey-based pay plan also receive raise funding. Employees under legally required pay plans remain paid under those plans; these provisions do not specify individual raise amounts.
Homeowner tax relief funded; income limits changed
Beginning July 1, 2025, the law provides $41.2651 million for Tennessee's Tax Relief program in fiscal year 2025–2026. Unused Property Tax Relief funds also carry forward under existing program requirements. For that year, income limits change for elderly low-income homeowners and homeowners who are totally and permanently disabled. The law does not state the new limits or whether they rise or fall. The tax-relief program also covers disabled veteran homeowners, but individual relief amounts are not stated.
Emergency preparedness funds carry forward
Unused funds remain available for state matching money for federal emergency-preparedness grants. Listed appropriations include $5.5651 million for an emergency agency warehouse lease and $5 million for the STORM Act. They also include $2 million for an incident-management vehicle and $1.4 million for border deployment. Money must retain its listed purpose. These amounts describe the appropriations, not necessarily the remaining balances; the state-match amount is not stated.
Local police get grants and camera funding
The law provides $75 million in one-time Violent Crime Intervention Fund grants for qualifying law enforcement agencies. Their jurisdictions must include a Tennessee ZIP code among the 50 with the most homicides during 2018–2022. Eligibility uses the specified Tennessee Bureau of Investigation data, and sheriff's departments also need a federal 287(g) agreement. Beginning July 1, 2025, Oak Ridge separately receives $2.5 million once to buy police body-worn cameras.
Major city downtowns get safety grants
The law provides $100 million once for downtown safety, blight and crime reduction, and economic-development infrastructure. Eligible local governments are Nashville–Davidson County, Memphis, Chattanooga, and Knoxville. A qualifying business improvement district or managing entity must oversee a central district created under state law. It must operate in a municipal or metropolitan government with at least 181,000 residents under the 2020 census. Awards require the Commissioner of Finance and Administration's approval and must be made by December 31, 2025.
Police and emergency responders keep grants
The law preserves unused funds tied to $24 million for law-enforcement recruiting bonuses and cost sharing. Other listed amounts are $1.505 million for a hiring portal and $1.6 million for fire trucks. Rescue programs include up to $5 million in competitive grants and $3 million in equipment grants. Volunteer fire departments retain unused funding from a $5 million grant appropriation. The commissioner must try to divide those grants proportionally by recognized departments in Tennessee's three grand divisions; actual unused balances are not stated.
Public safety equipment funds remain available
Unused funds remain available for the state radio system and public-safety communications. Listed appropriations include $8.2825 million for communications replacement and $25.9323 million for highway patrol equipment modernization. Another listed appropriation provides $1.1 million for a public-safety campaign. Only unused balances continue, and each balance must serve its original purpose.
Public schools get capped safety-officer grants
Local governments can receive funding for no more than one full-time, POST-certified school resource officer per public school. Funding is capped at $75,000 per officer each year. Local law enforcement and the school district, charter school, or alternative school must sign the Department of Safety's required agreement. The department releases grants after receiving that agreement. Program reports are required at least quarterly beginning October 1, 2025.
Violence intervention grants keep unused funding
Unused balances from a $100 million one-time appropriation remain available for Violent Crime Intervention Grants. The money must stay in that grant program. The law does not establish that the full $100 million remains unspent.
Federal funding supports family child care
The law provides $252.9166 million in federal Child Care Development Funds block grants to the Department of Human Services. The money supports state child care programs. This provision does not set family eligibility rules or individual assistance amounts.
Federal funding supports needy family assistance
The law provides $232.2801 million in federal Temporary Assistance to Needy Families grants to the Department of Human Services. The money supports Tennessee's family assistance program. This provision does not set individual eligibility rules or benefit amounts.
Mental health services keep treatment funds
Unused funds remain available for housing initiatives serving people with mental illness or substance use disorder. Carryforwards include funding from $10 million for crisis stabilization units and $50 million for community mental-health grants. Unused funding from $12.131 million for public-health worker retention and sign-on bonuses also remains available. Long-acting injectable naltrexone and related treatment funding can serve specified adults through contracted providers, recovery or treatment courts, county jails, and state custody. Treatment must follow best practices for continuing care for opioid-relapse prevention or alcohol-use disorder. The department must report implementation measures by July 15 and December 15, 2025; individual bonus and benefit amounts are not set.
Students keep career training program support
Unused money from a one-time $529 million appropriation remains available for innovative middle and high school career-training grants. Carryforwards also cover early college opportunities, occupational-license teacher loan forgiveness, middle-school career start-up grants, and work-based learning coordinators. STEM expansion and the National Career Readiness Certificate Pilot also keep unused funds for their approved purposes. Beginning July 1, 2025, Cocke County schools receive a one-time $500,000 grant for Innovation Center vocational training. These provisions do not set individual student awards or loan-forgiveness amounts.
Assessment funding supports nursing home payments
The law provides $184.8772 million in one-time TennCare funding for nursing home payments, contingent on the annual assessment act becoming law. Extra assessment collections may also fund nursing home payments. Without that separate law, the appropriation falls by $184.8772 million. Available nursing home assessment trust funds from June 30, 2025, are also appropriated for legally authorized purposes. Spending those trust funds requires approval from the Commissioner of Finance and Administration.
Dated TennCare authority permits coverage limits
For fiscal years ending June 30, 2024, and June 30, 2025, the law authorized the finance commissioner to control TennCare spending. When necessary, the commissioner could limit services and optional benefits or reduce optional eligibility categories. The authority also allowed standardized provider reimbursement levels. This authorization ended June 30, 2025; the provision does not identify specific coverage cuts or payment changes.
Federal aid losses trigger state cuts
When federal program aid falls, the finance commissioner must cut revenue estimates and spending allotments by the same amount. Authorized jobs must also fall to the extent they were federally funded. Related state matching funds and money tied to reduced federal minimum-spending requirements must be reserved, subject to exceptions. Exceptions include severance, remaining federal requirements, and state enhancements above the previous required funding level. Reserved matching funds return to the fund balance on June 30, 2026.
Arts center grant requires matching funds
The law provides a one-time $250 million grant to the Tennessee Performing Arts Center Management Corporation. The money can be used only for a new performing arts center. Before payment, the corporation must raise a 20% match, equal to $50 million. Unspent grant money stays in a reserve for the project.
Funding for crime victims and services
Beginning July 1, 2025, the law provides $12.0725 million for Criminal Injuries Compensation in fiscal year 2025–2026. Additional money covers required spending when fund receipts fall short. Separately, the Office of Criminal Justice Programs receives a one-time $20 million for Victims Services Grants. Compensation supports people who qualify under the existing program; this law sets no individual award amount or new eligibility rules.
Ijams trails get disability access funding
Beginning July 1, 2025, Ijams Nature Center receives a one-time $50,000 grant. It must use the money to make its Knoxville trails accessible to people with disabilities. The grant funds trail access, not payments to visitors.
State refunds and unclaimed property payments
The law funds refunds of money collected wrongly or illegally by Tennessee or its agencies. Refunds follow existing law, including a separate process for payments collected outside the Department of Revenue. It also funds valid unclaimed property claims and the costs of handling them. The unclaimed property funding took effect when the law was enacted. Neither provision sets an individual payment amount.
Flexible funding for disability support services
The state can use existing Traumatic Brain Injury Fund carry-forward money for new or improved services for patients and families. The finance commissioner must approve this one-time funding. Funds can also move between Disability and Aging and Children's Services for targeted case management, with revenue totals adjusted. The case-management money must stay dedicated to those services; no amount or eligibility change is specified.
High Hopes gets pediatric service funding
Beginning July 1, 2025, High Hopes, Inc. receives a one-time $50,000 grant through Finance and Administration. The money must support operating and programming needs at its inclusive school and pediatric therapy clinic. It does not pay families directly.
Families keep unused school choice funds
Unused Education Savings Account money remains available for participating students covered by the program’s existing carryforward rule. Unused Education Freedom Scholarship Account money remains available for eligible students covered by the 2025 program law. The state can move funds between the Education Department and its central appropriations account for nonpublic education choice programs. The finance commissioner can adjust department revenues as needed. These provisions do not set new award amounts or change individual eligibility.
State workers can earn performance bonuses
Beginning July 1, 2025, a bonus pool supports executive branch employees whose reviews show increased performance. Employees covered by legally required pay plans are excluded and receive pay under those plans instead. This provision does not specify individual bonus amounts.
Disaster sales-tax relief funds remain available
Unused state appropriations remain available for the existing sales-tax disaster relief program. The supplied provision does not state a household relief amount, eligibility formula, or separate spending deadline.
Sales tax disaster relief payments funded
The law funds sales tax disaster relief payments for people eligible under Tennessee's existing disaster-relief law. The Revenue Department must use its uncommitted disaster-relief reserve first. This provision does not set payment amounts or an effective date.
Small and minority-owned business assistance funded
The law directs funds allocated under existing Tennessee law to the Treasurer for the Small and Minority-Owned Business Assistance Program. The money supports eligible businesses in that program. This provision does not set award amounts or detailed eligibility rules.
Child welfare courts and planning funded
The law provides $588,000 in recurring funding for four additional Safe Baby Courts and court training. The finance commissioner can also carry forward money for a statewide review of child welfare service needs. That carryforward requires available revenue. The assessment funding amount is not stated, and this provision does not change individual service eligibility.
Cocke County funds shift to hurricane recovery
Beginning July 1, 2025, unused Cocke County sewer and infrastructure grant money shifts to the economic development department. The money supports county operating expenses and capital projects related to Hurricane Helene recovery. The remaining amount is not stated, and this is not a direct household payment.
Conditional funding for bondsmen oversight board
Beginning July 1, 2025, the law sets aside $476,100 to implement a Board of Professional Bondsmen. Of that amount, $440,500 is recurring. Funding is contingent on Senate Bill 1245 / House Bill 576 becoming law. This appropriation does not itself change bond prices or eligibility.
Conditional funding for voter citizenship checks
Beginning July 1, 2025, the law earmarks $800,000 in federal money for a secure voter eligibility portal. The portal checks eligibility based on U.S. citizenship. Funding is contingent on Senate Bill 133 / House Bill 69 becoming law. This appropriation itself does not impose a new voter duty or household charge.
Correctional accreditation daily stipends get funding
The law sets aside about $2.70 million in recurring funding for higher Department of Correction accreditation stipends. Tier 1 rates rise from $3 to $6 per day, and Tier 2 rates rise from $6 to $12. This funding depends on Senate Bill 186 / House Bill 577 becoming law. The provision does not identify individual recipients or their number of paid days.
Counties get primary election cost reimbursements
Beginning July 1, 2025, the law provides $8 million in one-time funding through Finance and Administration. The money reimburses county election commissions for primary elections. It pays election administration costs, not voters or households.
Crime victim service funds remain available
Unused funds from a one-time $13 million appropriation remain available for Victims of Crime Act purposes. The money supports crime-victim services and organizations providing them. The remaining balance is not stated.
Disaster and emergency response funding continues
Beginning July 1, 2025, the law provides $4 million for state emergency management disaster relief grants in fiscal year 2025–2026. It does not specify disaster grant recipients or award amounts. Unused funds from a one-time $2 million appropriation remain available for competitive emergency medical services equipment grants statewide. The law also funds the statutory volunteer firefighter equipment and training grant program. Wildfire suppression funding remains available; amounts for firefighter grants and wildfire response are not stated.
Federal grants fund homeland security work
The law funds the Office of Homeland Security and other state agencies receiving federal homeland security grants. Allotments require approval from the Commissioner of Finance and Administration. Distribution among state and local agencies follows Homeland Security Council approval or procedures. Funds can move among affected agencies to provide required state matching money. No fixed appropriation amount or direct household payment is stated.
Five groups receive anti-trafficking grants
The law provides a one-time $3.75 million from the Violent Crime Intervention Fund for anti-human-trafficking work. Ancora TN, Community Coalition Against Human Trafficking - Grow Free TN, and Freed Life d.b.a. Restore Corps each receive $750,000. Street Grace and Thistle Farms also each receive $750,000. The money goes to these organizations, not directly to households.
Five more public defenders get funding
Beginning July 1, 2025, the law sets aside $521,500 for five additional assistant district public defender positions. Of that amount, $493,000 is recurring. The funding implements Senate Bill 445 / House Bill 486 and depends on that legislation becoming law. These positions support defense services for people who cannot afford a lawyer.
Funding for community service providers
The law directs $1.6136 million to Tennessee Human Resource Agencies and Community Action Agencies, subject to Section 21. It gives $187,500 to the Tennessee State Alliance of YMCAs for rural communities. Human Services also gets up to $3 million for advance payments to qualifying social services contractors. Those advances follow Tennessee's existing social services contracting law. These payments go to providers, not directly to households.
Funding for disasters and emergency response
The law provides up to $1 million for listed emergencies, including natural disasters and payments for destroyed livestock. It also covers extraordinary veterinary payrolls, pest and livestock-disease control, and personnel and equipment to restore order during civil disorders. Separate disaster-relief funding matches federal money and pays program costs, drawing first from the Reserve for Disaster Relief. The specified unspent disaster-relief funds do not return to the general fund on June 30. No household payment formula is set.
Funding for newborn and family support
A Secret Safe Place for Newborns of Tennessee receives $49,000 for operating costs. The law also uses Child Abuse Fund money for grants to child abuse prevention services. Available agency revenues and reserves fund family mediation, education, and related services. These provisions do not set individual payments or service eligibility rules.
Funding for police tools and training
Local governments receive grants from earmarked litigation tax revenues to buy and maintain electronic fingerprint imaging systems. Beginning July 1, 2025, the University of Tennessee receives a one-time $500,000 for law enforcement leadership training. That money establishes and operates a Leadership Development Training Center of Excellence at the university's Law Enforcement Innovation Center. The grants and training funds do not provide direct household payments.
Funding for violence shelters and services
Available Finance and Administration revenues and reserves fund additional sexual assault services and family violence shelters and services. Unspent money is reappropriated for the next fiscal year rather than returning to the general fund on June 30. Revenues assigned to the Domestic Violence Community Education Fund also support that fund's purposes, including community education. The law specifies no dollar totals or individual eligibility rules for these items.
Funding supports parks and environmental work
The law funds land acquisition and compensation, state parks, and environmental programs from their designated revenues and reserves. Covered programs include waste, oil, hazardous-waste, and cleanup work. The wildlife agency also receives available revenues from the Wetlands Acquisition and Wetlands Compensation Funds. A one-time $100,000 from the Solid Waste Management Fund supports a Solid Waste Advisory Task Force, contingent on Senate Bill 438 / House Bill 667 becoming law. No total funding amount is stated for the broader programs.
Funds support driver and motorcycle safety
The Department of Safety can use available revenues and reserves from the Motorcycle Rider Safety and Driver Education Reserve Funds. The money supports motorcycle safety and driver education. The law gives no dollar amount or new individual benefit.
Grants equip local police and firefighters
Beginning July 1, 2025, the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office receives a one-time $400,000 grant through Finance and Administration. It supports the East Tennessee Regional Forensic Facility and Training Program for local agencies' digital forensic work. A separate one-time $50,000 grant through Commerce and Insurance funds equipment and repairs for the Bogota Volunteer Fire Department. Neither grant creates a new resident duty.
Grants preserve local history and museums
Beginning July 1, 2025, one-time grants support museums and historic restoration. Claiborne Heritage Center gets $750,000 to restore Graham-Kivett House and turn it into a museum. Johnson City Railroad Experience gets $50,000 for programs, services, collections, exhibits, and visitor experiences. Mid-South Military Museum gets $50,000 through the Historical Commission for website work, building repairs, and displaying and preserving military artifacts. Friends of Cemetery School and the Mel Malone Family Foundation each get $125,000 to restore Rutherford County's Cemetery Community, including Cemetery School and specified building repairs.
Grants support children and foster youth
The law provides recurring funding of $600,000 for Additional Safe Baby Courts and $1 million for Agape Family Services. Agape also receives a one-time $2.5 million. One-time grants include $350,000 for Barefoot Republic, $300,000 for Chambliss Center for Children, and $1.5 million for Coalition for Kids. CASA receives $480,000, Epic Girl receives $250,000, and Jonathan's Path and Viable, Inc. TN Foster Youth each receive $500,000. Youth Villages Memphis Allies receives a one-time $10 million. These grants do not set individual eligibility or payment amounts.
Grants support drug-offense halfway houses
The law uses available agency revenues and reserves for grants to halfway houses primarily helping people with drug or alcohol offenses. Unspent money is reappropriated for the next fiscal year rather than returning to the general fund on June 30. The law does not set grant amounts or individual service eligibility.
Helene recovery gets county and river funding
Beginning July 1, 2025, the law provides $25 million once for county expenses and Hurricane Helene recovery, distributed by September 1, 2025. Listed grants include $3.725 million each for Unicoi, Johnson, and Washington counties, and $5 million for Carter County. Cocke receives $3.75 million; Greene, $3 million; Hamblen, $1 million; and Sullivan and Hawkins, $500,000 each. A separate one-time $100,000 grant to the Pigeon River Outfitters Association funds a study of rebuilding the river after Helene flooding. These grants do not provide direct resident payments, and the study does not guarantee rebuilding work.
Legal representation funding supports qualifying cases
The courts receive $13 million in recurring funds and a one-time $4 million for the Indigent Conflicts and Civil Counsel office. An Indigent Representation Commission oversees the office. It arranges lawyers when a criminal defendant's public defender has a conflict, and for juvenile matters outside public-defender jurisdiction. The office must apply a process to verify inability to afford legal help. Unused funds for indigent defendants' counsel and children's court-appointed guardians also remain available for those programs.
Libraries and museums keep building grants
Unused money for multi-year library construction grants remains available through the State Library and Archives. The law also preserves unused balances from a $5 million one-time museum repair and improvement appropriation. Museums must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits or affiliated with a government entity. The full $5 million is not necessarily still available.
Local grants improve parks and recreation
Beginning July 1, 2025, one-time grants fund four local recreation projects. Bulls Gap gets $450,000 to build a multi-use park facility for public gatherings and recreation. Putnam County gets $1.25 million to replace park lighting and repair tennis courts. The Stadium Corporation gets $500,000 through Economic and Community Development for maintenance, repairs, and updates at Chattanooga's intercollegiate football stadium. Gallatin Shalom Zone gets $500,000 through Finance and Administration to complete gymnasium renovations.
Parks and wildlife project funds continue
The law transfers a one-time $5 million to the Wildlife Resources Fund for capital projects listed in the 2025–2026 budget. Unused parks modernization funds and the balance of a $10 million Bill Dance Lakes appropriation remain available. Unspent species-disposal revenue and restoration donations remain available for ecological restoration on lands managed by the environmental department. Unspent Natural Areas donations remain available for that program. These preserved funds stay tied to their stated purposes; their remaining balances are not given.
Pregnancy center grant funds remain available
Unused money from the one-time crisis pregnancy center grant appropriation remains available for those grants. The law does not state the original appropriation amount or the balance carried forward.
State adds response and recovery money
The law adds a one-time $25 million to the Governor's Response and Recovery Fund. This provision does not identify covered events, recipients, or household eligibility rules.
State funds uninsured motorist identification
The law funds the Department of Revenue's insurance verification work through the uninsured motorist identification restricted fund. The supplied provision states no amount and creates no direct household payment or eligibility change.
State Guard gets separate budget funding
The law provides $67,000 in recurring funding to the State Guard Fund. It supports making the Tennessee State Guard a separate budget entity within the Department of Military. The funding depends on Senate Bill 293 / House Bill 20 becoming law.
Tennessee history program funds continue
Unused prior funds remain available for the Tennessee Wars Commission, publications, historical markers, and related historical activities. The money must stay dedicated to those same purposes. The law does not state the balances carried forward.
Veterans honor guard grants continue
Unused balances from $75,000 and $15,000 honor guard grant appropriations remain available for the program. The $15,000 appropriation can fund only grants authorized by Tennessee Code § 4-3-2505. The remaining balances are not stated.
Violent crime pilot funds continue
Unused funds from a one-time $5 million appropriation remain available for the Violent Crime Intensive Intervention Unit Pilot. The funds must support that program. The law does not state the remaining balance.
Waste cleanup and planning funds continue
Unused balances remain available from three one-time solid-waste appropriations. They originally provided $3 million for assistance grants, $9 million for site cleanup, and $1 million for disposal planning. Each balance must stay dedicated to its original purpose. The amounts remaining are not stated.
Water planning and oversight receive funding
Unused funds from a $1.185 million appropriation remain available for water conservation and high-hazard dam repair planning. Unused funds from a $10 million appropriation remain available for water regionalization; neither remaining balance is stated. Beginning July 1, 2025, the law sets aside $108,000 to replace and reorganize the Board of Groundwater Management. Of that amount, $106,000 is recurring. The board funding depends on Senate Bill 720 / House Bill 894 becoming law.
West Tennessee flood preparedness gets funding
Beginning July 1, 2025, the West Tennessee River Basin Authority receives a one-time $1.2 million grant. The money must cover maintenance and operating costs for flood preparedness. Supported work includes levee repairs and responses to major bank failures near infrastructure.
Youth mentoring grant funds continue
Unused funds from a $425,000 appropriation remain available for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee. Tennessee alliance agencies share the funds in proportion to the number of children they serve. The money supports youth mentoring, health, and mental health programs and services. The remaining balance is not stated.
Local water and sewer projects funded
Beginning July 1, 2025, Bean Station receives a one-time $1.5 million grant for a sewer project. Erwin Utilities Authority receives a one-time $20 million grant as the local match for federal disaster relief. Erwin's money must help replace its wastewater treatment plant. The law also funds implementation and construction of a water-service pipeline in southern Middle Tennessee, without naming an amount or communities. These provisions do not set household utility-bill changes.
Road resurfacing and local bridges funded
The Transportation commissioner can set additional funding for state road resurfacing; no amount is specified. For fiscal year 2025–2026, bridge grants receive $9.54 million for the state's 80% share; local governments pay 20%. Half goes equally among 95 county areas. Half follows each area's share of eligible bridges rated below 10 tons. Eligible bridges must be on public roads outside both the federal-aid and state highway systems.
Addiction treatment and opioid response receive funding
The law makes opioid abatement fund revenue and reserves available for opioid prevention and harm-reduction work. It also appropriates available revenue and reserves for the Alcohol and Drug Addiction Treatment Fund and resources to establish drug courts. The supplied provisions do not state dollar amounts or individual eligibility rules.
Disability and aging programs keep support
Unused funds remain available for enabling technology, early intervention, adult changing tables, dementia respite, inclusive parks, family networks, and senior centers. Changing-table grants are limited to $10,000 each. The early-intervention reserve requires finance commissioner approval and cannot exceed 10% of combined program appropriations in the disability-and-aging and children’s-services departments. Dementia respite pilot grants must be divided equally among nine Area Agencies on Aging and Disability. Carryforwards include funding from $2.5 million for inclusive parks, $5 million for Tennessee Strong Families Network Development, and $3 million for senior centers.
Families keep dental and health support
Unused funds remain available for the Health Access Incentive Fund, Dental Services Pilot Program, and Smile TN dental safety net. Carryforwards also cover funding from $5 million for tobacco cessation and $1 million for Tennessee Strong Families doula grants. Each balance must stay with its designated program. The provision does not set individual eligibility or payment amounts.
Families retain child care improvement support
The unused balance of a one-time $30 million appropriation remains available for the Child Care Improvement Fund. The money must support that fund’s designated purposes. The provision does not establish family eligibility, direct payments, or a guaranteed reduction in child care costs.
Food banks receive hunger relief funding
The law provides $1 million for buying, handling, and transporting food for hunger relief. Second Harvest of Middle Tennessee distributes it: 35% to itself, 25% to Memphis, and 20% to East Tennessee. Chattanooga and Northeast Tennessee each receive 10%. Society of St. Andrew - Tennessee also receives a recurring $100,000 for food-bank supplies and hunger-relief operations. These grants do not establish direct household payments.
Forensic care capacity and transport receive support
Beginning July 1, 2025, the disability and aging department can expand the Harold Jordan Center to 12 forensic service beds. This supports compliance with Jillian's Law, and finance officials can transfer funds within the department as needed. The law also funds transportation for mental health patients, subject to Section 21's requirements. The supplied provisions do not state transportation funding or individual eligibility rules.
Funding supports Hunters for the Hungry
Beginning July 1, 2025, the law provides a one-time $150,000 grant to Tennessee Wildlife Federation Incorporated. The Wildlife Resources Agency administers the grant, which must support Hunters for the Hungry. This provision does not set individual eligibility, benefit amounts, or direct household payments.
Funding supports mental health and recovery
The law provides $20.4077 million in federal mental health grants and $35.8805 million in federal substance abuse prevention and treatment grants. The Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services receives those funds. It also authorizes up to $150,000 to reimburse licensed supportive living facilities serving people with mental illness under state law. Another $200,000 goes to the Prevention Alliance of Tennessee to establish, train, and support substance use prevention coalitions. The funding does not set individual benefit amounts.
Funding supports safety-net care and access
The law funds CoverRx, CoverKids, Project Diabetes, and health-care safety-net programs from their revenues and reserves as needed. With state finance approval, unused safety-net funds, including Project Diabetes money, may carry into fiscal year 2025–2026. It also provides $3 million for primary, obstetric, and dental care access in underserved areas. The Health Commissioner directs that money with state finance approval and may address other access needs after finding a need.
Grants support family and foster initiatives
The law assigns $1.645 million in carried-forward Tennessee Strong Families—TN Fosters Hope money to six recipients. CarePortal gets $450,000; Tennessee Kids Belong gets $350,000; Belmont Innovation Labs gets $145,000. Contingent gets $150,000; Restore Hope gets $250,000; the Governor's Faith-Based and Community Initiative gets $300,000. These grants do not create direct household payments or new household eligibility.
Grants support vision and brain-injury services
The law gives Vanderbilt University Medical Center $355,000 for its Providing Access to the Visual Environment program. It also gives Crumley House in Washington County $100,000 for services for people with traumatic brain injuries. These grants support the organizations' programs. They do not set individual payments or new eligibility rules.
Health outreach and wellness receive funding
The law provides $190,000 for a nonprofit contract promoting health awareness among Tennessee males. The nonprofit must predate January 1, 2004, and have substantial experience in Tennessee male health outreach and education. It must also have received a Department of Health-administered contract and funding from the June 2003 vitamin supplement settlement. The law grants $500,000 to the Meharry Wellness Program and appropriates $950,000 in federal preventive health block grant funds. These are program funds, not specified household payments.
Jail mental health grants continue
Unused funds from a one-time $10 million appropriation remain available for evidence-based jail grants focused on mental health. The money must stay dedicated to that purpose. The law does not state how much remains.
Maternal and child health programs receive funds
The law provides five Regional Perinatal Centers with $100,000 each for additional nurse educators and related services. Those grants total $500,000. It also appropriates $2.6217 million in federal maternal and child health block grant funds to the Department of Health. These provisions fund programs and centers without setting individual eligibility or payment amounts.
Social and community services receive funding
The Department of Human Services receives $35.3638 million in federal Social Services block grant funds. It also receives $14.9819 million in federal Community Services block grant funds. The provisions fund these programs but do not set household eligibility rules or individual benefit amounts.
Energy assistance funded for low-income households
The Tennessee Housing Development Agency receives $65.7942 million in federal Low-Income Energy Assistance block grant funds. The money supports energy assistance for low-income households. This provision does not set detailed eligibility rules or the amount a household receives.
Helene damage assessment deadline implementation funded
Beginning July 1, 2025, the law sets aside a one-time $290,100 to implement Senate Bill 782 / House Bill 726. That legislation concerns extending assessors' deadline to determine whether Hurricane Helene destroyed or damaged property. The funding depends on the named legislation becoming law. This provision does not state the new deadline or provide a direct payment to property owners.
Small communities receive development project aid
The law provides an estimated $56.2692 million across fiscal years 2024–2025 and 2025–2026 for Small Cities Community Development grants. Eligible city and county governments outside HUD-designated entitlement areas can receive grants or loans. Projects must mainly help low- or moderate-income people, prevent or remove blight, or address threats to health, safety, or public welfare. Most awards are capped at $600,000, community livability awards at $400,000, and regional grants at $1 million. Certified ThreeStar counties get a 5% grant increase; selection uses uniform, objective scoring of need, feasibility, impact, beneficiary incomes, and livability-project importance.
Chattanooga youth learning space receives funding
Beginning July 1, 2025, Tennessee provides a one-time $500,000 grant to the YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga. The grant must help finish the Youth Hub’s science, arts, technology, and maker learning space at the North River YMCA. It does not provide direct payments to families.
Child support and rehabilitation keep reserves
The Department of Human Services can carry unused, uncommitted money into reserves for child-support enforcement and vocational rehabilitation services. The money must be for those client services. The provision does not state reserve totals or establish direct household payments.
College students keep access and completion support
Unused funds remain available for college-access grants, online innovation, Veteran Reconnect, Tennessee Promise Forward, and Institutional Outcome Improvement. Drive to 55, College Advisor Corps, student assistance, and student loan programs also keep unused funds. Carryforwards include rural college-access microgrants, completion grants, and tnAchieves Knox Promise. The unused balance of the $25 million Governor’s Investment in Vocational Education community-grant appropriation also remains available. Each balance stays tied to its program; no individual student award is set.
Colleges keep unused campus safety grants
The unused balance of a one-time $30 million appropriation remains available for college and university safety grants. This preserves campus-safety funding rather than creating a new $30 million appropriation. Students do not receive a direct payment under this provision.
Hampton High School keeps rebuilding funds
Beginning July 1, 2025, the unused balance of a one-time $20 million allocation remains available as a Carter County grant. The county must use it to rebuild, repair, and renovate Hampton High School. This preserves existing school-facility money rather than adding another $20 million or paying households.
High-performing school districts get incentive funding
The law provides up to $17 million in incentives for qualifying school districts. At least half of a district's eligible schools must receive an A letter grade. Separately, unspent school funding for outcomes incentives stays available for future outcomes-incentive allocations instead of returning to the general fund.
Lottery funds scholarships and after-school programs
Available lottery-account money funds authorized scholarships and education programs, with higher education scholarships funded before after-school programs. For 2025–2026, after-school funding cannot exceed the After-School Programs Special Account's June 30, 2025 balance. That funding also depends on excess net lottery proceeds remaining after scholarships are funded. Separately, the law funds three-year after-school grants under state program rules. Those awards cannot exceed the available balance in the Lottery for Education After-School Programs Grant Fund.
Medical schools receive equipment and planning support
Beginning July 1, 2025, Tennessee provides one-time equipment replacement funding for medical and veterinary education. The University of Tennessee receives $10.3 million for its Health Science Center and College of Veterinary Medicine. East Tennessee State University receives $3 million for the Quillen College of Medicine. The University of Tennessee can also use its own funds to finish planning a new Health Science Center medicine building through construction documents. That planning authority specifies no state funding amount and does not authorize construction spending.
Memphis university gets campus safety funding
Beginning July 1, 2025, the University of Memphis receives $5.4 million in one-time funding for campus safety and security. The money must support those purposes, but the provision does not name specific safety measures.
Named education programs receive grant support
The Governor's Rural Education Foundation receives a direct appropriation and a grant renewing earlier Rural Education Initiative funding. Neither amount is specified in these provisions. Carroll Academy receives a $700,000 grant, without a stated use restriction here. The Department of Education must also grant Jobs for TN Graduates funding to JAG Tennessee; no amount or participant eligibility is specified.
Reentry programs receive job training funds
Beginning July 1, 2025, Tennessee provides a one-time $2 million grant to Persevere, Inc. The grant must support its education, workforce development, and reentry programs and services in Tennessee. The law does not set individual eligibility or payment amounts.
Robertson County technical campus gets replacement funding
Beginning July 1, 2025, the Tennessee Board of Regents receives one-time funding of $37.5 million. The money must fund replacement of the Tennessee College of Applied Technology Nashville Robertson County Campus. It does not provide individual tuition help or direct household payments.
Schools get facility and energy funding
The Department of Education gives the Tennessee Charter School Center a grant from the equitable facilities fund. No grant amount is specified here. The law also funds the Energy Efficient Schools Initiative using the Energy Efficient Schools Council Fund. Energy funding cannot exceed that fund's available balance and must follow the state law governing the initiative.
Schools keep unused education program funds
Unused, uncommitted state testing funds stay in reserve for testing rather than returning to the general fund. Unspent funds also remain available for school safety, academic standards review, special education, professional learning, and educator-preparation innovation. The same protection covers priority schools, seat-belt grants, charter-school facilities, and principal leadership. Literacy coaching, online literacy tools, and learning-loss programs also keep their unspent funds. Unspent money from the $18.5 million summer transportation grants appropriation remains available, with every balance dedicated to its original purpose.
Schools keep unused safety and service funds
The Department of Education keeps unused one-time school-safety grants available for those grants. Unspent grants from non-state groups also remain available for education program services. The Achievement School District keeps unused school-formula allocations, nonprofit grants, donations, student fees, and recovered prior-year grants for approved purposes. These provisions do not state the remaining balances or create new student payments.
Schools receive safety grant funding
The Department of Education receives a one-time $20 million for the School Safety Grant Fund. The funding supports school safety grants. This provision does not name recipients, set award formulas, or provide direct household payments.
Targeted funding helps qualifying school districts
Up to $13 million helps qualifying districts move from the Basic Education Program to the new school funding system. This aid also covers qualifying districts facing funding losses above 5% between fiscal years. Up to $10 million addresses higher required local funding in identified distressed or at-risk counties. Another allocation of up to $8 million supports qualifying districts connected to active tourism development zones.
Teachers and districts get targeted support
The law makes up to $14.5 million available to address teacher pay differences under state distribution rules. Payments depend on available funds, and no individual teacher payment is specified. It also keeps $2 million in unspent one-time funding available only for Teach Tennessee. Separately, education funding reimburses school districts for paid-leave costs, without specifying an amount or payment formula.
Tennessee Southern receives ongoing operating funds
Beginning July 1, 2025, the University of Tennessee Southern receives $1.15 million in recurring funding for operating expenses. The money supports university operations. It does not set tuition changes or student-aid awards.
Young workers keep summer employment support
The unused balance of a one-time $15 million appropriation remains available for Tennessee’s summer youth employment program. The money must stay with that program. The provision does not set participant eligibility, wages, or the number of available places.
Counties get help covering state-imposed costs
The County Revenue Partnership Fund receives $1.9 million for fiscal year 2024–2025 and $1.9 million for fiscal year 2025–2026. The $3.8 million total comes from the general fund share of sales and use tax. It recognizes state shares of local costs from laws on child custody commitments, domestic assault, and certain veterans' retirement benefits. It also covers costs tied to pharmacy benefit managers and six weeks of paid leave for certified school personnel. This allocation funds local costs; it does not itself create those benefits.
Development grants keep funding and flexibility
The law allows transfers to economic development district grants to comply with Chapter 521, Public Acts of 2007. Commissioner approval is required for transfers between the environment and economic development departments for transportation-network, rural, and economic development grants. Unspent funds continue for Three-Star, Main Street, community programs, non-FastTrack economic projects, and rural projects. It also preserves unused funds from a $9.3487 million one-time appropriation for megasite and area development. Additional carryforwards cover LiftTN grants and cap flood grants at $6 million, historic-property grants at $25 million, and nuclear supply-chain investments at $60 million.
Funding covers veterans home bond payments
The law provides enough money from specified State Funding Board funds to pay debt on State Veterans' Homes bonds. The money comes from agreements authorized under a 2003 law. This appropriation states no dollar amount and does not change veterans' service eligibility.
Funding supports Ocoee River recreation
The law makes Ocoee River Recreation and Economic Development Fund money available for its recreation and economic development purposes. This provision took effect when the act became law. It does not state a dollar amount or household eligibility rules.
Handgun permit fees fund safety agencies
The law directs handgun carry permit fee revenue to the Department of Safety and Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. This provision allocates existing fee revenue; it does not state a change in the fee applicants pay.
Manufacturers get research and innovation support
Beginning July 1, 2025, the law provides a one-time $400,000 grant through Labor and Workforce Development. The Southeast Tennessee Development District receives it for the Smart Factory Institute. The money supports innovation and research for manufacturers of different sizes across Tennessee. It does not establish direct payments to businesses or households.
Milan gets industrial park purchase funding
Beginning July 1, 2025, the law gives the City of Milan a one-time $6.8 million grant. The city must use the money to buy an industrial park. The appropriation does not guarantee jobs or direct household payments.
State funds support stadium financing
The law earmarks up to $3.2851 million for debt payments on stadium-related bonds issued under a 1996 law. Specified sales tax revenues are intended to fund those payments first. Separately, it provides enough money from a construction trust reserve for a domed stadium financing agreement in Davidson County. That reserve is authorized under Tennessee's state debt law. These items fund stadium financing, not household payments.
State must fund costly local mandates
A general state law adding more than $1 million in city and county costs cannot take effect without specific state-share funding. The law also provides sufficient state-share funding for general laws requiring higher local spending without local discretion. That funding comes from specified growth in state-shared taxes and local revenue.
Sumner County development receives project funding
The law provides a one-time $12 million for the FastTrack economic development project in Sumner County. The provision does not name project recipients or provide direct payments to residents.
Tourism and entertainment grants remain available
With finance commissioner approval, the state can shift tourism and economic development funds for Nashville Raceway, music certification, and rural tourism grants. Unspent Rural Development Fund money stays available for tourism enhancement grants. The law also preserves unused balances from one-time appropriations of $25 million for special events and $17 million for raceways. The commissioner can carry forward unused film and television incentive funds and Entertainment Commission grant balances. Only unused money continues; the full original appropriations are not necessarily still available.
Unspent state and local grants continue
Effective upon enactment, listed unused funds carry into fiscal year 2025–2026 when funding is available on June 30, 2025. Funds retain their original purposes, and finance commissioner approval generally applies, with stated exceptions. This includes unused money from a $25 million Evidence-Based Programming Seed Grants appropriation and local-government cybersecurity grants. Local-government and nonprofit grants require commissioner-approved agreements, available revenue on June 30, 2025, and commissioner approval to carry forward. Their spending and reporting requirements follow the fiscal year when recipients receive the money; actual unused balances are not stated.
Unused state operating funds remain available
Unused fiscal year 2024–2025 funds for the Department of Safety and specified central budget programs can enter the next year. The law makes those funds available to spend again. Carrying them forward requires available revenue and approval from the finance commissioner.
Vehicle title fees support park bonds
The law directs $2.7 million from the existing $1.50 motor vehicle title fee to the debt service fund. Revenue beyond what is required for bonds authorized in 1992 pays principal and interest on state park project bonds. This provision redirects fee revenue; it does not change the $1.50 fee.
Available funds support roads and transportation
The law provides additional highway maintenance and construction funding from highway tax revenues and the highway fund balance. The Commissioner of Finance and Administration determines how much is available. Available Transportation Equity Fund revenue also supports the transportation department's air, water, and rail program. Neither provision sets a fixed dollar amount or a household payment.
Assessment funding supports ambulance provider payments
The law provides $10.2354 million in one-time TennCare funding for ambulance payments, contingent on the annual assessment act becoming law. Extra assessment collections may also fund ambulance payments. Without that separate law, the appropriation falls by $10.2354 million. Available ambulance assessment trust funds from June 30, 2025, are also appropriated for legally authorized purposes. Spending those trust funds requires approval from the Commissioner of Finance and Administration.
Dedicated research funding targets ALS
Beginning July 1, 2025, the Department of Health provides a one-time $1 million grant to the Live Like Lou Foundation. It must fund dedicated amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, research through Vanderbilt University Medical Center. The grant does not create a direct household payment or health coverage benefit.
Disability savings plan keeps unused funding
Unused state funding remains available for Tennessee's ABLE savings plan for people with disabilities. The money must serve that plan. This provision does not change eligibility or account rules, and no funding amount is stated.
TennCare keeps funds and plan support
Beginning July 1, 2025, TennCare may reuse unspent 2024 appropriations if funding was available on June 30, 2025. Available maintenance-of-coverage trust funds from that date are also appropriated for lawful uses, with state finance approval. The Commissioner of Finance and Administration may spend or lend appropriated money to help TennCare managed care plans operate. The Commissioner may use outside experts; assistance must serve a public purpose and be promptly reported to legislative leaders and finance chairs. These provisions state no total amount or new household benefit.
Housing oversight system upgrades keep funding
Unused balances remain available from $2.25 million for codes-enforcement system upgrades and $1.5 million for manufactured-housing system upgrades. The money must stay dedicated to its respective modernization project. The law does not create a direct household payment.
Federal payments support school construction debt
The law funds Tennessee State School Bond Authority debt payments on qualifying school construction bonds or a similar program. The amount cannot exceed payments allowed to the authority from the federal government. This supports construction financing rather than direct household payments.
Public universities can receive operating transfers
The law authorizes transfers from specified capital-project funds to Tennessee public four-year colleges or universities, including for operating costs. Transfers depend on Senate Bill 1359 / House Bill 1344 becoming law. The Commissioner of Finance and Administration and the Comptroller must approve, and the institution must follow a memorandum of understanding. Finance committee chairs in both legislative houses must acknowledge receiving notice of approval. No transfer amount is specified.
Workforce and innovation programs keep funding
With finance commissioner approval, Tennessee can shift workforce-development appropriations between its economic development and labor departments. Unused balances remain available from $1.5 million for workforce development and $1 million for marketing. The law also preserves up to $7.5 million for the Tennessee Mobility Innovation Initiative. Unused balances from $10 million for small-business research and technology-transfer matching grants remain available. Each balance must serve its stated purpose; no individual worker payment is set.
Agribusiness grants keep their unused funding
Unspent Agriculture Enterprise Fund money remains available for agribusiness grants. The money must stay dedicated to those grants. The carried-forward amount is not stated.
Agriculture ventures receive ongoing grant funding
The Department of Agriculture receives $2 million in recurring funding for Aglaunch grants. It also receives $500,000 in recurring funding for Cul2Vate grants. The provision does not set grant eligibility rules or individual award amounts.
State recovers payments returned unpaid
The finance commissioner must maintain a policy to recover state money and related costs when deposited payments are returned unpaid. This covers checks, warrants, drafts, and electronic transfers returned by the payer's bank. The law does not set a recovery amount or a separate personal payment formula.
State regulatory fees set by duration
The law sets the state regulatory fee at $5 for one year or $10 for two years. The supplied provision does not identify the activity or people covered by this fee.
County inmate payments capped daily
State Prosecutions funds can reimburse counties no more than $41 per inmate per day for housing convicted felons. The state can pay more only to the extent required by a written contract. This limits state payments to counties, not payments required from households.
Memphis Zoo grant requires private fundraising
The finance commissioner cannot release the Memphis Zoo's appropriated grant until the zoo raises $40 million in private funds. This fundraising requirement applies to the zoo, not households. The provision does not state the grant amount.
Prison outreach grant becomes one-time funding
The law makes Tennessee Prison Outreach Ministry's entire $500,000 appropriation one-time funding instead of recurring funding. The provision does not set direct household benefits or individual award amounts.
State pays government organization membership dues
The law requires timely payment of annual dues to three state-government organizations. The Council of State Governments receives $250,937, and the National Conference of State Legislatures receives $255,326. The National Conference of Insurance Legislators receives $20,000. These are state membership expenses, not household benefits.
Suicide prevention grant becomes one-time funding
The law makes The Jason Foundation's entire $500,000 appropriation one-time funding instead of recurring funding. It states an intent to fund the same purpose in fiscal year 2026–2027. That statement does not itself provide another appropriation or make this funding recurring.
Recovery provider funding becomes entirely one-time
The law changes $1 million for The Next Door Recovery from recurring to one-time funding. Alongside a separately listed one-time $1 million grant, its listed funding totals $2 million, all nonrecurring. The provision does not set individual eligibility or payments.
Henry Carroll technical college funding becomes one-time
The law makes the full $3 million grant for Tennessee College of Applied Technology Henry/Carroll a one-time appropriation. It is not recurring funding. The provision does not set tuition changes or individual student payments.
One-time grants cut for named organizations
The law cuts one-time grants by $10 million for Youth Villages Memphis Allies and $1 million for the Tennessee Zoo and Aquarium Consortium. The Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame loses $1 million, reducing its grant from $5 million to $4 million. Stax Music Academy and The Honor Foundation each lose $500,000. The Tennessee Center for Decision-Making loses $250,000, and TNSTEP loses $100,000. These provisions do not explain resulting changes to services or household costs.
State agencies face program expansion limits
State agencies cannot start or expand programs beyond what lawmakers approved without a specific funding source. The exception requires full funding from unanticipated or excess departmental revenue or federal revenue. Before spending, the finance commissioner must notify relevant legislative committee chairs in writing and receive acknowledgment. Capital projects instead require acknowledgment from the State Building Commission.
State funding recipients face reporting rules
Entities receiving state money under this act are subject to Comptroller audits of how they spend or commit it. Nongovernmental direct-appropriation recipients must submit a proposed-use and expected-benefits plan before payment and agree to an interim report by February 1. Within 90 days after the receiving fiscal year ends, they must submit a spending and benefits accounting with a notarized statement. An agency head can require an audited financial statement instead. A copy of the accounting or audit must also go to the Comptroller.
Regional water project funding is cut
The law cuts the Water Regionalization Project's one-time funding by $35 million. This provision does not state the remaining funding or identify affected communities. It also does not explain effects on household water bills or service access.
Trauma care funding follows tax collections
Tennessee can increase or decrease the Trauma System Fund appropriation based on collections from its designated tax. The finance commissioner must approve any change, and collections must justify it. The provision sets no dollar amount and does not itself change the tax.
Reactor funding requires federal funding first
The law sets aside $50 million in one-time assistance to speed small modular reactor construction. State money can be released only after the Tennessee Valley Authority secures federal Department of Energy funding for that purpose. The Economic and Community Development commissioner must certify this to the finance commissioner. The provision does not guarantee lower household energy prices.
State can shift selected program budgets
For fiscal year 2025–2026, the finance commissioner can move money among specified state departments and programs. These include workforce development, education choice, targeted case management, tourism, economic development, and transportation resurfacing. Transfers are limited to listed purposes, some require commissioner approval, and certain judicial programs are excluded. No transfer amounts are stated.
Colleges get financing but must match construction
Beginning July 1, 2025, colleges must match funding for projects listed on pages A-136–A-137 of the 2025–2026 budget. Minimum matches range from 4%–17% for new construction and 2%–6% for major renovations, depending on institution type. Gifts must cover at least 50% of new-construction matches at R1 institutions and 33% at doctoral or master's universities. Community colleges and specialized units have no required gift share; matches can include gifts, grants, institutional money, student fees, and other non-state sources. Separately, State Building Commission approval allows specified operating funds to pay debt issued under the 2007 authorization, capped at $10.7 million. Those payments concern the Tennessee Board of Regents, Middle Tennessee State University, and the University of Memphis.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsors
There is no primary sponsor on record.
Cosponsors
Rush Bricken
Republican • House
Mark Cochran
Republican • House
Gary Hicks
Republican • House
Bud Hulsey
Republican • House
Ryan Williams
Republican • House
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 4/16/2025
FLOOR VOTE: Motion to Table Amend# 8 by Senator Yarbro Third Consideration 4/16/2025
Yes: 27 • No: 5
House vote • 4/16/2025
FLOOR VOTE: APPROPRIATIONS CALENDAR PREVIOUS QUESTION AS AMENDED PASSAGE ON THIRD CONSIDERATION 4/16/2025
Yes: 69 • No: 24
House vote • 4/16/2025
FLOOR VOTE: APPROPRIATIONS CALENDAR MOTION TO CONSIDER AMENDMENT # 9 BY CLEMMONS PASSAGE ON THIRD CONSIDERATION 4/16/2025
Yes: 24 • No: 61
House vote • 4/16/2025
FLOOR VOTE: APPROPRIATIONS CALENDAR MOTION TO ADOPT AMENDMENT # 12 BY WILLIAMS PASSAGE ON THIRD CONSIDERATION 4/16/2025
Yes: 75 • No: 22
House vote • 4/16/2025
FLOOR VOTE: APPROPRIATIONS CALENDAR MOTION TO ADOPT AMENDMENT # 4 BY WILLIAMS PASSAGE ON THIRD CONSIDERATION 4/16/2025
Yes: 57 • No: 30
House vote • 4/16/2025
FLOOR VOTE: APPROPRIATIONS CALENDAR MOTION TO ADOPT AMENDMENT # 5 BY SALINAS PASSAGE ON THIRD CONSIDERATION 4/16/2025
Yes: 27 • No: 66
House vote • 4/16/2025
FLOOR VOTE: APPROPRIATIONS CALENDAR MOTION TO CONSIDER AMENDMENT # 23 BY SALINAS PASSAGE ON THIRD CONSIDERATION 4/16/2025
Yes: 22 • No: 71
House vote • 4/16/2025
FLOOR VOTE: APPROPRIATIONS CALENDAR MOTION TO CONSIDER AMENDMENT # 18 BY POWELL PASSAGE ON THIRD CONSIDERATION 4/16/2025
Yes: 22 • No: 73
House vote • 4/16/2025
FLOOR VOTE: APPROPRIATIONS CALENDAR MOTION TO CONSIDER AMENDMENT # 27 BY PEARSON PASSAGE ON THIRD CONSIDERATION 4/16/2025
Yes: 24 • No: 69
House vote • 4/16/2025
FLOOR VOTE: APPROPRIATIONS CALENDAR MOTION TO CONSIDER AMENDMENT # 25 BY POWELL PASSAGE ON THIRD CONSIDERATION 4/16/2025
Yes: 22 • No: 70
House vote • 4/16/2025
FLOOR VOTE: APPROPRIATIONS CALENDAR MOTION TO CONSIDER AMENDMENT # 22 BY JONES J PASSAGE ON THIRD CONSIDERATION 4/16/2025
Yes: 21 • No: 72
House vote • 4/16/2025
FLOOR VOTE: APPROPRIATIONS CALENDAR MOTION TO CONSIDER AMENDMENT # 31 BY PEARSON PASSAGE ON THIRD CONSIDERATION 4/16/2025
Yes: 25 • No: 69
House vote • 4/16/2025
FLOOR VOTE: APPROPRIATIONS CALENDAR MOTION TO CONSIDER AMENDMENT # 20 BY MCKENZIE PASSAGE ON THIRD CONSIDERATION 4/16/2025
Yes: 23 • No: 71
Senate vote • 4/16/2025
FLOOR VOTE: Third Consideration 4/16/2025
Yes: 30 • No: 2
House vote • 4/16/2025
FLOOR VOTE: APPROPRIATIONS CALENDAR MOTION TO CONSIDER AMENDMENT # 30 BY PEARSON PASSAGE ON THIRD CONSIDERATION 4/16/2025
Yes: 22 • No: 72
Senate vote • 4/16/2025
FLOOR VOTE: Motion to Table Amend# 10 by Senator Campbell Third Consideration 4/16/2025
Yes: 27 • No: 5
House vote • 4/16/2025
FLOOR VOTE: APPROPRIATIONS CALENDAR MOTION TO ADOPT AMENDMENT # 16 BY FAISON PASSAGE ON THIRD CONSIDERATION 4/16/2025
Yes: 82 • No: 11
House vote • 4/16/2025
FLOOR VOTE: APPROPRIATIONS CALENDAR MOTION TO CONSIDER AMENDMENT # 26 BY PEARSON PASSAGE ON THIRD CONSIDERATION 4/16/2025
Yes: 22 • No: 70
House vote • 4/16/2025
FLOOR VOTE: APPROPRIATIONS CALENDAR MOTION TO CONSIDER AMENDMENT # 28 BY PEARSON PASSAGE ON THIRD CONSIDERATION 4/16/2025
Yes: 23 • No: 67
House vote • 4/16/2025
FLOOR VOTE: APPROPRIATIONS CALENDAR MOTION TO CONSIDER AMENDMENT # 29 BY PEARSON PASSAGE ON THIRD CONSIDERATION 4/16/2025
Yes: 24 • No: 69
House vote • 4/16/2025
FLOOR VOTE: APPROPRIATIONS CALENDAR MOTION TO CONSIDER AMENDMENT # 24 BY BROOKS PASSAGE ON THIRD CONSIDERATION 4/16/2025
Yes: 24 • No: 68
House vote • 4/16/2025
FLOOR VOTE: APPROPRIATIONS CALENDAR MOTION TO CONSIDER AMENDMENT # 16 BY FAISON PASSAGE ON THIRD CONSIDERATION 4/16/2025
Yes: 75 • No: 17
House vote • 4/16/2025
FLOOR VOTE: APPROPRIATIONS CALENDAR MOTION TO CONSIDER AMENDMENT # 15 BY HEMMER PASSAGE ON THIRD CONSIDERATION 4/16/2025
Yes: 23 • No: 73
House vote • 4/16/2025
FLOOR VOTE: APPROPRIATIONS CALENDAR MOTION TO CONSIDER AMENDMENT # 10 BY HARDAWAY PASSAGE ON THIRD CONSIDERATION 4/16/2025
Yes: 24 • No: 68
House vote • 4/16/2025
FLOOR VOTE: APPROPRIATIONS CALENDAR MOTION TO CONSIDER AMENDMENT # 8 BY MILLER PASSAGE ON THIRD CONSIDERATION 4/16/2025
Yes: 24 • No: 63
House vote • 4/16/2025
FLOOR VOTE: APPROPRIATIONS CALENDAR MOTION TO CONSIDER AMENDMENT # 14 BY GLYNN PASSAGE ON THIRD CONSIDERATION 4/16/2025
Yes: 26 • No: 71
House vote • 4/16/2025
FLOOR VOTE: APPROPRIATIONS CALENDAR MOTION TO CONSIDER AMENDMENT # 13 BY DIXIE PASSAGE ON THIRD CONSIDERATION 4/16/2025
Yes: 23 • No: 72
House vote • 4/16/2025
FLOOR VOTE: APPROPRIATIONS CALENDAR MOTION TO CONSIDER AMENDMENT # 12 BY WILLIAMS PASSAGE ON THIRD CONSIDERATION 4/16/2025
Yes: 69 • No: 20
House vote • 4/16/2025
FLOOR VOTE: APPROPRIATIONS CALENDAR MOTION TO CONSIDER AMENDMENT # 11 BY BEHN PASSAGE ON THIRD CONSIDERATION 4/16/2025
Yes: 24 • No: 68
House vote • 4/16/2025
FLOOR VOTE: APPROPRIATIONS CALENDAR MOTION TO CONSIDER AMENDMENT # 7 BY HARRIS PASSAGE ON THIRD CONSIDERATION 4/16/2025
Yes: 24 • No: 68
House vote • 4/16/2025
FLOOR VOTE: APPROPRIATIONS CALENDAR MOTION TO ADOPT AMENDMENT # 6 BY BEHN PASSAGE ON THIRD CONSIDERATION 4/16/2025
Yes: 24 • No: 69
House vote • 4/16/2025
HOUSE CALENDAR & RULES COMMITTEE
Yes: 0 • No: 0
House vote • 4/16/2025
FLOOR VOTE: APPROPRIATIONS CALENDAR AS AMENDED PASSAGE ON THIRD CONSIDERATION 4/16/2025
Yes: 79 • No: 16
House vote • 4/16/2025
FLOOR VOTE: APPROPRIATIONS CALENDAR MOTION TO CONSIDER AMENDMENT # 21 BY JOHNSON PASSAGE ON THIRD CONSIDERATION 4/16/2025
Yes: 23 • No: 71
House vote • 4/15/2025
HOUSE FINANCE, WAYS, AND MEANS SUBCOMMITTEE
Yes: 13 • No: 0
House vote • 4/15/2025
HOUSE FINANCE, WAYS, AND MEANS COMMITTEE
Yes: 27 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Effective date(s) 05/21/2025, 07/01/2025
5/27/2025Pub. Ch. 530
5/27/2025Signed by Governor.
5/21/2025Transmitted to Governor for his action.
5/9/2025HouseSigned by Senate Speaker
5/8/2025SenateSigned by H. Speaker
4/30/2025HouseEnrolled; ready for sig. of H. Speaker.
4/29/2025HousePassed Senate, Ayes 30, Nays 2, PNV 1
4/16/2025SenateAmendment withdrawn. (Amendment 4 - SA0425)
4/16/2025SenateAmendment withdrawn. (Amendment 1 - SA0419)
4/16/2025SenateAmendment tabled (Amendment 10 - SA0433)
4/16/2025SenateAmendment withdrawn. (Amendment 9 - SA0432)
4/16/2025SenateAmendment tabled (Amendment 8 - SA0431)
4/16/2025SenateAmendment withdrawn. (Amendment 7 - SA0429)
4/16/2025SenateAmendment withdrawn. (Amendment 6 - SA0428)
4/16/2025SenateAmendment withdrawn. (Amendment 5 - SA0427)
4/16/2025SenateAmendment withdrawn. (Amendment 3 - SA0421)
4/16/2025SenateAmendment withdrawn. (Amendment 2 - SA0420)
4/16/2025SenateSenate substituted House Bill for companion Senate Bill.
4/16/2025SenateReceived from House, Passed on First Consideration
4/16/2025SenateEngrossed; ready for transmission to Sen.
4/16/2025HousePassed H., as am., Ayes 79, Nays 16, PNV 1
4/16/2025HouseSponsor(s) Added.
4/16/2025HouseAm. withdrawn. (Amendment 1 - HA0439)
4/16/2025HouseAm. withdrawn. (Amendment 19 - HA0465)
4/16/2025House
Bill Text
HA0440
4/16/2025
HA0445
4/16/2025
HA0446
4/16/2025
HA0456
4/16/2025
HA0460
4/16/2025
Enrolled / Public Chapter
HA0439
HA0447
HA0448
HA0449
HA0450
HA0452
HA0453
HA0454
HA0457
HA0458
HA0459
HA0461
HA0464
HA0465
HA0466
HA0467
HA0468
HA0469
HA0474
HA0475
HA0476
HA0477
HA0478
HA0479
HA0480
HA0481
Introduced
SA0419
SA0420
SA0421
SA0425
SA0427
SA0428
SA0429
SA0431
SA0432
SA0433
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HB 0794, AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 5; Title 6; Title 7; Title 8; Title 12; Title 13; Title 29; Title 54; Title 64; Title 65; Title 68 and Title 69, relative to municipal utilities.
HB 0489, AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 38; Title 39; Title 40 and Title 55, relative to criminal law.
HB 0162, AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 67, relative to taxes.
SB 2733, AN ACT to amend Chapter 33 of the Private Acts of 1985; as amended by Chapter 85 of the Private Acts of 2004; and any other acts amendatory thereto, relative to the City of Gleason.