Tennessee House Bill HB2380

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/2/26
• Refer: 3/4/26
• Refer: 3/10/26
• Refer: 3/31/26
• Refer: 4/7/26

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Chapter 18; Title 29, Chapter 39 and Title 63, Chapter 6, Part 11, relative to civil actions.

Impact

If passed, this bill would significantly impact how damages are assessed in civil cases across Tennessee. The focus on noneconomic damages, which often include pain and suffering, could lead to a reevaluation of how courts handle these types of claims. The requirement for a report by the administrative office reflects a push for evidence-based assessment of current statutes and how they align with prevailing legal standards and public interest.

Summary

House Bill 2380 seeks to amend specific sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated pertaining to civil actions. The bill mandates that by January 1, 2027, the administrative office of the courts submit a report evaluating the appropriateness of the current limit on compensation for noneconomic damages and catastrophic loss or injury. This review aims to provide recommendations to the judiciary committee chairs in both the senate and house regarding potential adjustments to these limits.

Contention

There may be debate surrounding the bill as it seeks to establish a mechanism for re-evaluating compensation limits, a topic that often garners mixed opinions among lawmakers and stakeholders. Proponents of higher compensation limits argue that victims deserve fair compensation for their suffering, while opponents may raise concerns about potential inflation of awards and the implications for insurance rates and access to justice. The necessity and timing of the 2027 report will likely be scrutinized as part of broader discussions about civil justice reform in Tennessee.