SB1981

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 50, Chapter 6, relative to workers' compensation.

Complete·5/5/26

Tennessee SB1981 amends workers' compensation laws, increasing compensation rates and modifying benefit eligibility.

Tennessee SB1981 amends the state's workers' compensation laws by increasing the percentage of average weekly wages used to calculate compensation from 66⅔% to 75%. It also modifies the conditions under which employees can seek permanent total disability benefits, allowing them to do so even after receiving an original award. The bill allows for civil actions for damages in cases where employee death is caused by employer gross negligence or criminal conduct.

Included in complete analysis

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

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Sponsors

0
1
R
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

Roll Call Votes

32 Yea

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0 Nay

Calendar

Mar 3

12:00 AM

Senate Revenue Subcommittee Of Finance, Ways & Means Hearing

History

May 5

Pub. Ch. 845

May 5

Effective date(s) 07/01/2026

Apr 27

Senate

Signed by Governor.