General Assembly approves legislation protecting taxpayers public benefits

House Bill 1710 sponsored by State Representative Dennis Powers, far left in photo below

NASHVILLE, TN (SPECIAL TO WLAF)– The General Assembly approved legislation to protect Tennessee taxpayers and ensure public benefits are not accessed by individuals who are in the U.S. illegally.   

While state agencies already verify legal status for adults applying for public benefits, House Bill 1710, sponsored by State Rep. Dennis Powers, R-Jacksboro, expands this requirement to include city and county governments and local health departments. The legislation also requires reporting to the state’s centralized immigration enforcement division when applicants are determined to be ineligible.

“Tennessee taxpayers deserve confidence that public benefits funded by their hard-earned dollars are going only to those who are legally eligible,” Powers said. “This legislation will strengthen accountability and enforcement to help protect public resources and close gaps that undermine the rule of law.”

The bill applies to a variety of state and federal programs designed to support low-income individuals, families, seniors and people with disabilities such as TennCare, Women, Infants and Children (WIC), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Families First (TANF), unemployment benefits, subsidized child care and housing assistance, and other programs managed primarily by the Tennessee Department of Human Services.

Applicants may continue receiving benefits while verification is pending. However, benefits must be terminated if final verification determines an individual is not lawfully present in the United States.

The legislation also requires state and local entities to maintain documentation supporting eligibility determinations. The Tennessee Attorney General is authorized to investigate complaints of noncompliance and enforce the law, including withholding state funds from local governments or local health departments when necessary.

The Tennessee Department of Children’s Services is exempt from disclosure requirements that would directly or indirectly identify children or families receiving services.

If enacted, local governmental entities will implement the new verification standards upon their first reprinting of forms or update of electronic or automated systems after July 1, 2026.

House Bill 1710 is part of a comprehensive illegal immigration legislative package passed by Tennessee Republicans to enforce existing laws, protect taxpayers and close sanctuary loopholes.

The bill is now awaiting Gov. Bill Lee’s signature.

Dennis Powers represents District 36 in the Tennessee House of Representatives which includes Campbell, Union and part of Claiborne counties. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-05/01/2026-6AM-PHOTOS SUBMITTED)