Tennessee agencies check adult benefit applicants and report some recipients

State and local agencies and local health departments verify adult applicants’ citizenship or lawful presence. It covers people age 18 or older who apply for a federal, state, or local public benefit from those agencies. The duty does not apply where federal law prohibits verification. For most purposes, the act takes effect July 1, 2026. A local government must implement related form or system changes when it first reprints applicable forms or updates the described electronic or automated phone systems after that date.

Agencies report certain benefit recipients to the state’s immigration enforcement division. State and local agencies and local health departments report people who are not lawfully present and receive federal, state, or local public benefits, along with identifying information. The duty does not apply where federal law prohibits reporting or when the agency is required to report the person under 7 CFR § 273.4(b)(1). The Department of Children’s Services need not provide information that would directly or indirectly identify a child or family receiving its services. An employee or official who intentionally fails to report someone they know is not lawfully present commits an offense; a violation of the reporting duty is a Class A misdemeanor. For most purposes, the reporting duty takes effect July 1, 2026.

The attorney general may investigate credible complaints and seek to withhold state funds from local entities. This applies to local governments and local health departments accused of violating the public-benefit rules. The attorney general may investigate a credible allegation or complaint that a local government or local health department violated the chapter. If the attorney general concludes a violation occurred, the attorney general may take action to withhold state funds allocated to that entity, including state-shared taxes. For most purposes, these provisions take effect July 1, 2026.

Agencies keep verification documents and do not delay benefits solely because final verification is pending. These rules apply to state and local agencies and local health departments handling public-benefit applications. Documents submitted for verification count as proof of eligibility until final verification arrives. If final verification finds an applicant is not a U.S. citizen or qualified alien, the agency must end any recurring benefit and pursue applicable actions. For most purposes, these provisions take effect July 1, 2026.