Tennessee House Bill HB2542

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/3/26
• Refer: 2/5/26
• Refer: 2/18/26
• Refer: 3/4/26
• Engrossed: 3/12/26
• Enrolled: 4/27/26

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 50-7-303, relative to suitable work requirements.

Impact

The impact of HB2542 on state laws pertains directly to the conditions under which unemployed individuals can qualify for benefits. By eliminating the wage comparison requirement, the bill may allow more flexibility in what jobs an unemployed individual can accept without jeopardizing their unemployment benefits. This change may encourage claimants to take jobs that do not meet the previous wage thresholds, potentially reducing the number of individuals who remain unemployed. It could also reflect a shift in policy aimed at fostering more quick re-employment in the workforce.

Summary

House Bill 2542 aims to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 50-7-303, relating to suitable work requirements for unemployment compensation claimants. This amendment seeks to remove specific wage criteria that determine what constitutes suitable work. Previously, work was considered suitable if it met various criteria, including the condition that gross weekly wages equal or exceed specific percentages of the claimant's average weekly wage during the highest quarter of the base period. The proposed change appears to simplify the criteria for what is deemed suitable work, possibly expanding the range of job opportunities available to claimants.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB2542 may stem from concerns that removing the wage criteria could lead to situations where claimants are compelled to accept lower-paying jobs that do not meet their needs or adequately support them. Various advocacy groups may argue that this could hinder the ability of unemployed individuals to find work that aligns with their skills or living wage standards. In contrast, supporters might argue that the amendment encourages individuals to re-enter the workforce and reduces dependency on unemployment benefits.