Tennessee to Verify Immigration Status of All Public Benefit Recipients Starting July 1

The Tennessee Department of Health will begin verifying the immigration status of all people age 18 and older recieving or seeking public benefits starting July 1, 2026. The verification requirement stems from Tennessee Senate Bill 1915, which was signed into law on May 22, 2026, as Public Chapter 1106. The law applies to federally funded programs, and to state or locally funded programs, including the state's Children’s Special Services program for children with special health care needs.

State governmental entities, local governmental entities, and local health departments are required to comply. According to information provided by the state . . .