Tennessee Senate Bill SB1901

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/21/26

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 7; Title 20; Title 23; Title 33; Title 37; Title 39; Title 42; Title 43; Title 44; Title 45; Title 46; Title 47; Title 49; Title 52; Title 53; Title 55; Title 56; Title 57; Title 59; Title 60; Title 62; Title 63; Title 67; Title 68; Title 69; Title 70; Title 71 and Chapter 463 of the Public Acts of 2025, relative to the regulation of professions.

Impact

The bill emphasizes a stricter definition of eligibility for licensing across numerous fields, particularly affecting healthcare, legal, and engineering professions. As a result, this may lead to a reduction in the number of available licensed professionals from immigrant backgrounds. Proponents argue that such measures are necessary for ensuring that only those with established legal status are granted access to licensing, while critics contend that it could limit diversity among licensed practitioners and hinder the availability of essential services in certain areas.

Summary

SB1901 proposes amendments to the Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically targeting the eligibility criteria for obtaining professional licenses across various professions. The bill stipulates that to qualify for a license, applicants must be either a United States citizen or a qualified alien, thus tightening the requirements for professional practice in the state. This legislation directly affects an array of professions detailed in multiple sections of the Tennessee Code, potentially altering the landscape of available licensed professionals in the state.

Contention

Debate surrounding SB1901 primarily focuses on the implications of its citizenship and residency requirements. Supporters of the bill advocate that it safeguards against potential legal issues that may arise from allowing non-citizens or those without rightful residency to practice professions that require public trust. Conversely, opposition groups and some legislators highlight concerns that this approach could disproportionately affect communities reliant on immigrant professionals, thus increasing barriers to entry into the workforce for qualified individuals who may significantly contribute to their fields and the economy overall.