SB1597

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 38 and Title 68, relative to death certificates.

Complete·4/27/26

Tennessee SB1597 amends death certificate laws to redefine "next of kin" and expand who can request a death certificate.

Tennessee SB1597 amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 38 and Title 68, relative to death certificates. It redefines "next of kin" to include a surviving parent of the decedent, in addition to the person with the highest priority. The bill also expands the list of individuals who can request a death certificate to include the decedent's spouse, child, parent, other next of kin, the other parent of a child under eighteen, and authorized representatives of these individuals. This act takes effect upon becoming a law.

Included in complete analysis

  • Overview
  • Core Provisions
  • Implementation
  • Impact
  • Legal Framework
  • Critical Issues

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Sponsors

D
1
1
R
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

Roll Call Votes

87 Yea

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0 Nay

Calendar

Feb 17

8:30 AM

Senate Finance, Ways And Means Hearing

History

Apr 27

Pub. Ch. 666

Apr 27

Effective date(s) 04/07/2026

Apr 7

Senate

Signed by Governor.