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Subcommittee advances bill to align Tennessee TANF rules with federal requirements
Summary
House Bill 107, intended to bring state TANF personal responsibility rules into alignment with federal program requirements, was advanced to the full Health Committee with unanimous support in subcommittee.
The House Health Subcommittee unanimously advanced House Bill 107 on Feb. 12, a measure that removes state‑level requirements from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) personal responsibility plan to match federal program rules.
"This is basically putting us in alignment with the federal programs," Chairman Hawk told the committee, saying the change would help focus TANF on workforce readiness and self‑sufficiency for families.
Supporters said the update eliminates duplicative requirements — such as provisions already enforced through school immunization and attendance laws — and would allow the state to scale successful TANF pilot programs. "We're seeing some incredible successes with these pilot programs under TANF right now, and I'm excited to see what we are going to be doing in the very near future with those programs," Chairman Hawk said.
Representative McKenzie and Representative Terry both spoke in favor; Terry praised the modernization for helping recipients "get on that pathway to prosperity faster." No committee member recorded opposition during the subcommittee vote. Madam Clerk announced that the bill will go to the full Health Committee next week.
The bill's sponsors said it does not add new benefit eligibility or funding; rather, it removes duplicative state requirements so casework can focus on workforce outcomes. The subcommittee called the question without further amendment and advanced the bill.
Votes at a glance: House Bill 107 — Passed subcommittee (all ayes); outcome: advanced to full Health Committee.
