Tennessee House passes controversial Senate Bill 955 on medical professional rights

A heated debate over medical discrimination took center stage during the Tennessee State Legislature's House Floor Session on April 7, 2025. Lawmakers discussed Senate Bill 955, which addresses the rights of medical professionals to refuse certain procedures based on personal beliefs, including religious objections.

Representative Hardaway raised concerns about potential discrimination, questioning how the bill would prevent racism from being masked as a religious objection. He recounted a personal experience in a hospital where he witnessed a nurse refuse service to a Black man, expressing his apprehension that the bill could inadvertently allow for such discriminatory practices in healthcare.

Chairman Terry responded, emphasizing that the bill does not permit discrimination based on race, color, or religion, and reassured that existing federal laws, including the Civil Rights Act, would still apply. However, the discussion highlighted a significant divide among lawmakers regarding the implications of the bill, with Hardaway ultimately stating his opposition due to fears of enabling racism in medical settings.

The session also saw the passage of several other bills, including Senate Bill 880, which aims to ensure that regulatory actions are based on sound science, and Senate Bill 362, concerning veterans' affairs. The legislature concluded the session with a series of resolutions honoring local achievements, including a commendation for the University of Memphis Tigers football team.

As the session wrapped up, the House adjourned until April 9, leaving the future of Senate Bill 955 and its potential impact on healthcare practices in Tennessee hanging in the balance.