Tennessee House passes Bill 712 to support family caregivers of disabled individuals

The Government Operations Committee of the Tennessee Legislature convened on March 24, 2025, to discuss key legislative proposals aimed at supporting family caregivers. The meeting focused primarily on two significant bills: House Bill 712 and House Bill 717.

House Bill 712, introduced by the Tennessee Disability Coalition, aims to enhance support for family caregivers of individuals with disabilities and chronic illnesses. The bill proposes that TennCare and the Department of Disability and Aging collaborate to establish clear guidelines for hiring family members as caregivers within home and community-based services. Additionally, it seeks to standardize access to ensure that family members are not disqualified from caregiving roles based on their relationship to the care recipient or their living situation. The bill received unanimous support, passing with a vote of 14 ayes and 0 nos, and will proceed to the calendar and rules committee for further consideration.

Following this, the committee addressed House Bill 717, presented by a representative filling in for the absent sponsor, Representative Jones. This bill proposes the creation of a fund specifically designed to assist caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's disease. The fund aims to provide financial support to those who care for loved ones suffering from this condition. The committee acknowledged the emotional weight of the issue, with members expressing personal connections to the challenges faced by caregivers.

Both bills reflect a growing recognition of the vital role that family caregivers play in the healthcare system and the need for legislative measures to support them. The discussions highlighted the importance of providing financial assistance and clear pathways for family members to be compensated for their caregiving efforts.

The meeting concluded with a sense of progress towards enhancing the support structure for caregivers in Tennessee, with both bills poised for further legislative action.