Tennessee committee advances House Bill 533 on fertility treatment rights
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The Health Committee of the Tennessee State Legislature convened on March 25, 2025, to address a busy agenda, including significant legislative proposals concerning health and safety regulations.
The meeting commenced with the confirmation of a quorum, followed by a brief acknowledgment of personal orders, which yielded no responses from committee members. The first item on the agenda was House Bill 533, known as the Fertility Treatment and Contraceptive Protection Act. Chairlady Rutter introduced the bill, which aims to affirm individuals' rights to access fertility treatments and contraceptives without state prohibition. An amendment, identified as amendment number 3691, was proposed and subsequently approved without objection.
During discussions, a member raised an unfriendly amendment related to the sanctity of life, which was later withdrawn after acknowledgment of the bill's focus on access to treatments. The committee voted on House Bill 533 as amended, resulting in a unanimous approval with 22 votes in favor and none against, allowing the bill to progress to the calendar and rules committee.
The second item discussed was House Bill 1310, presented by Chairlady Elton Haines. This bill aims to modernize and streamline environmental health statutes. An amendment, numbered 4798, was introduced to limit fee increases associated with proposed rules to a maximum of 3% annually and 5% over five years. This amendment was also approved without objection.
Chairlady Haines outlined the key provisions of House Bill 1310, which include allowing modifications to the food safety code through rule changes rather than statutory amendments, thereby enhancing flexibility for the department. The bill also seeks to eliminate redundant statutes regarding unfit rental premises, update campground definitions, reduce the frequency of pool inspections from monthly to quarterly, and align inspection requirements for bed and breakfasts with those of other rental properties.
The committee's discussions reflected a commitment to improving health regulations while ensuring access to essential health services. The meeting concluded with both bills moving forward in the legislative process, highlighting the ongoing efforts to address health and safety in Tennessee.
The meeting commenced with the confirmation of a quorum, followed by a brief acknowledgment of personal orders, which yielded no responses from committee members. The first item on the agenda was House Bill 533, known as the Fertility Treatment and Contraceptive Protection Act. Chairlady Rutter introduced the bill, which aims to affirm individuals' rights to access fertility treatments and contraceptives without state prohibition. An amendment, identified as amendment number 3691, was proposed and subsequently approved without objection.
During discussions, a member raised an unfriendly amendment related to the sanctity of life, which was later withdrawn after acknowledgment of the bill's focus on access to treatments. The committee voted on House Bill 533 as amended, resulting in a unanimous approval with 22 votes in favor and none against, allowing the bill to progress to the calendar and rules committee.
The second item discussed was House Bill 1310, presented by Chairlady Elton Haines. This bill aims to modernize and streamline environmental health statutes. An amendment, numbered 4798, was introduced to limit fee increases associated with proposed rules to a maximum of 3% annually and 5% over five years. This amendment was also approved without objection.
Chairlady Haines outlined the key provisions of House Bill 1310, which include allowing modifications to the food safety code through rule changes rather than statutory amendments, thereby enhancing flexibility for the department. The bill also seeks to eliminate redundant statutes regarding unfit rental premises, update campground definitions, reduce the frequency of pool inspections from monthly to quarterly, and align inspection requirements for bed and breakfasts with those of other rental properties.
The committee's discussions reflected a commitment to improving health regulations while ensuring access to essential health services. The meeting concluded with both bills moving forward in the legislative process, highlighting the ongoing efforts to address health and safety in Tennessee.
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