SB1697Introduced in the Senate
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 68, Chapter 5, relative to sickle cell.
Introduced by Raumesh Akbari, District 29
What does this bill do?
Plain-English breakdown
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Official description
As enacted, directs the department of health to test for the presence of sickle cell trait in each newborn and, if the test results are positive for sickle cell trait, to notify the parent or legal guardian of the newborn tested as soon as practicable. - Amends TCA Title 68, Chapter 5.
Where it stands
Comp. became Pub. Ch. 773
April 27, 2026
How did lawmakers vote?
SenateStage: SENATE HEALTH AND WELFARE COMMITTEE: Recommended for passage, refer to Senate Calendar Committee · April 1, 2026
9
Yes
0
No
0
Absent or Not Voting
9 senators recorded in this Senate vote. Colors show vote categories only, not whether a vote was good or bad.
What do people think?
Citizen Voice
How would you vote on this bill?
An unofficial public opinion poll. It does not affect the bill or the official vote.
One response per device. Location is self-reported and not verified. Results are informal and not a scientific survey.
See how each senator voted
| Senator | District | Vote |
|---|---|---|
| Rusty Crowe | 3 | Yes |
| Robert Harshbarger | 4 | Yes |
| Becky Massey | 6 | Yes |
| Bo Watson | 11 | Yes |
| Shane Reeves | 14 | Yes |
| Ferrell Haile | 18 | Yes |
| Jeff Yarbro | 21 | Yes |
| Edward Jackson | 25 | Yes |
| Joseph Hensley | 28 | Yes |
Bill history
Filed for introduction
Introduced, Passed on First Consideration
Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Health and Welfare Committee
Placed on Senate Health and Welfare Committee calendar for 3/17/2026
Action deferred in Senate Health and Welfare Committee to 3/18/2026
Placed on Senate Health and Welfare Committee calendar for 3/18/2026
Reset on Final calendar of Senate Health and Welfare Committee
Placed on Senate Health and Welfare Committee calendar for 4/1/2026
Recommended for passage, refer to Senate Calendar Committee
Placed on Senate Consent Calendar 2 for 4/6/2026
Companion House Bill substituted
Sponsor(s) Added.
Comp. became Pub. Ch. 773
Verify the information
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