SB2081Introduced in the Senate
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 8; Title 56; Title 63; Title 68 and Title 71, relative to step therapy.
Introduced by Bo Watson, District 11
What does this bill do?
Plain-English breakdown
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Official description
As enacted, expands the prohibition, from stage 4 advanced metastatic cancer or metastatic blood cancer to any cancer, against a health benefit plan that provides coverage for cancer requiring the use of a step therapy protocol before the health benefit plan provides coverage for an approved prescription drug to an enrollee who has received a diagnosis of cancer. - Amends TCA Title 8; Title 56; Title 63; Title 68 and Title 71.
Where it stands
Comp. became Pub. Ch. 995
May 26, 2026
How did lawmakers vote?
SenateStage: SENATE COMMERCE AND LABOR COMMITTEE: Recommended for passage, refer to Senate Calendar Committee · April 7, 2026
5
Yes
4
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.
See how each senator voted
| Senator | District | Vote |
|---|---|---|
| Steve Southerland | 9 | No |
| Bo Watson | 11 | Yes |
| Ken Yager | 12 | Yes |
| Shane Reeves | 14 | Yes |
| Paul Bailey | 15 | No |
| John Stevens | 24 | No |
| Jack Johnson | 27 | No |
| Raumesh Akbari | 29 | Yes |
| Brent Taylor | 31 | Yes |
Bill history
Filed for introduction
Introduced, Passed on First Consideration
Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Commerce and Labor Committee
Placed on Senate Commerce and Labor Committee calendar for 3/3/2026
Action deferred in Senate Commerce and Labor Committee to 3/10/2026
Placed on Senate Commerce and Labor Committee calendar for 3/10/2026
Action deferred in Senate Commerce and Labor Committee to 3/17/2026
Placed on Senate Commerce and Labor Committee calendar for 4/7/2026
Recommended for passage, refer to Senate Calendar Committee
Placed on Senate Regular Calendar for 4/20/2026
Placed on Senate Regular Calendar for 4/20/2026
Sponsor(s) Added.
Companion House Bill substituted
Sponsor(s) Added.
Comp. became Pub. Ch. 995
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