Tennessee Senate Bill SB1911

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/21/26

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49 and Title 71, relative to food assistance.

Impact

If enacted, SB1911 will have significant implications on state laws regarding food assistance and child welfare. By formally integrating the SEBT program into state law, the bill ensures that Tennessee actively seeks out available federal resources to support its children. This measure is expected to not only benefit children's health and well-being but also align the state's food assistance policies with federal standards, providing a structured approach to combat food insecurity in the summer months.

Summary

Senate Bill 1911 aims to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically in Titles 49 and 71, to enhance food assistance programs for children. The bill introduces a mandate that requires the department to apply for and accept federal grants and other funds available through the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (SEBT) program. This program is designed to provide nutrition assistance to eligible children during the summer months when schools are not in session. The initiative indicates a commitment to ensuring that children have consistent access to nutritious food year-round, even during school breaks.

Contention

While the bill's intent is to promote child welfare through enhanced food assistance, potential contention may arise related to the dependency on federal funding. Critics might argue that reliance on federal grants could make the state's food assistance programs vulnerable to changes in federal policies or funding availability. Supporters would emphasize that this program is crucial for addressing childhood hunger, particularly in low-income areas, and that utilizing available federal resources is a prudent strategy.