Lawmakers to Convene January 13 as 114th General Assembly Kicks Off 2026 Session

The Tennessee General Assembly will convene on January 13 to begin the 2026 session of the 114th General Assembly. Lawmakers are expected to focus on the state budget, education, and public safety.

Gov. Bill Lee has submitted Tennessee’s application for funding through the $50 billion federal Rural Health Transformation Program. Tennessee is expected to receive at least $100 million per year for five years, with the potential for additional competitive funding. The Department of Health proposal emphasizes strengthening rural health systems, improving maternal and child health, expanding prevention and community health, investing in health technology and infrastructure, and developing the rural health care workforce. To qualify for extra funding, states must align with federal priorities, which may prompt lawmakers to revisit certificate-of-need requirements and scope-of-practice laws during the session.

Food insecurity remains a priority. Last session, the General Assembly allocated $500,000 to Second Harvest Food Bank, and Gov. Lee directed $5 million in state funds to support food banks during the federal shutdown. Recent federal changes under H.R. 1 increase Tennessee’s financial responsibility for SNAP, including covering 75% of certain administrative costs and contributing to benefit costs tied to payment error rates. Lawmakers may review SNAP oversight, efficiency, and workforce requirements in response.

Tennessee experienced a $44.5 million reduction in federal Child Care Development Fund funding in fiscal year 2025, affecting programs such as Smart Steps. With nearly half of Tennesseans living in child care deserts, lawmakers may examine child care capacity, affordability, and program sustainability during the 2026 session.

Opioid use disorder continues to rise. In 2024, an estimated 1,447 per 100,000 insured Tennesseans received treatment—nearly four times the rate in 2021. Lawmakers are expected to review data trends and consider policies related to treatment, prevention, and public safety.

Artificial intelligence is increasingly being integrated into healthcare. Lawmakers are expected to weigh potential benefits such as efficiency and innovation against concerns regarding patient safety, data privacy, and regulatory oversight.