Tennessee House Bill HB2477

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/3/26
• Refer: 2/5/26
• Refer: 3/4/26
• Refer: 3/11/26
• Chaptered: 5/5/26
• Passed: 5/5/26

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Chapter 24; Title 7, Chapter 51, Part 2; Title 38, Chapter 8 and Title 68, Chapter 140, relative to compensation for emergency responder deaths in the line of duty.

Impact

The bill alters the statute of limitations for filing claims, now requiring claims to be submitted to the department of finance and administration within three years of either the date of death or the official designation of the death as being in the line of duty. Additionally, it provides a structured review process for denied claims by establishing clear authorities such as the Tennessee peace officer standards and training commission, the commission on firefighting personnel standards and education, and the Tennessee emergency medical services board. This change aims to provide transparency and accountability in the claims review process.

Summary

House Bill 2477 aims to amend existing Tennessee laws regarding the compensation for emergency responders who die in the line of duty. Specifically, it modifies several sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated, including provisions to establish clearer timelines and procedures for filing claims related to the death benefits for law enforcement officers, firefighters, volunteer rescue squad workers, and emergency medical technicians. The revisions help ensure that beneficiaries can navigate the claims process more effectively and obtain compensation more expediently.

Contention

While the bill streamlines the claims process and provides clearer guidelines, it may also draw attention from various stakeholders. Supporters argue that these revisions are essential for honoring the sacrifices of emergency responders and ensuring their families receive timely support. Critics may point to the need for ongoing funding and resources to support these benefits adequately, emphasizing that the claims process should not become a burden on already grieving families. Overall, this legislation highlights the balance between administrative efficiency and the emotional ramifications of such policies.