TN SB0419This bill proposes to double the maximum amount of money that a person can receive for non-economic damages in a civil lawsuit in Tennessee. For most cases, the limit would increase from $750,000 to $1.5 million, and for cases involving catastrophic injuries, the limit would rise from $1 million to $2 million.
TN SB0419 is a senate bill in the Tennessee 114th General Assembly, sponsored by Joseph Hensley (R), currently “Engrossed” since April 9, 2025.
We track 9,160 Tennessee bills this session, 144 of them sponsored by Joseph Hensley.
Supporters of the bill argue that it is a necessary step to ensure that victims of serious injuries receive fair compensation for their suffering and loss. They believe that the current limits are outdated and do not adequately reflect the real costs of living with significant injuries.
Critics of the bill contend that raising damage caps could lead to increased insurance costs and may encourage frivolous lawsuits. They argue that higher compensation limits could burden the legal system and ultimately harm businesses and healthcare providers.
The bill SB0419 proposes to increase the compensation limits for noneconomic damages in civil actions, which primarily affects the legal and insurance sectors. The sponsor, Joseph Hensley, has personal financial interests as a physician and business owner of Hensley Medical Clinic, but these interests do not directly overlap with the bill's focus on civil damage awards. While the bill may indirectly impact the healthcare industry by potentially increasing the liability for medical malpractice claims, there is no direct financial benefit to Hensley from the proposed changes in compensation limits for plaintiffs. Additionally, his role as a board member of the Tennessee Medical Association does not suggest a direct conflict, as the association's interests may vary widely across its membership. Therefore, the risk of conflict of interest is low.
Unlike federal analysis based on campaign donations, state analysis examines legislators' personal financial interests — their jobs, businesses, and investments.
| Type | Description | Industry | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Occupation | Physician | Health Professionals | AI-researched |
| Employer | Maury Regional Medical Center | — | AI-researched |
| Business Owner | Owner of Hensley Medical Clinic | — | TN Legislature bio |
| Board Member | Board Member of the Tennessee Medical Association | — | TN Legislature bio |
Items marked "AI-researched" are generated from public sources but have not been independently verified. Verified data is sourced from official legislature websites and disclosure filings.
About This Analysis
This summary was generated using AI from the bill's official text and metadata. Data sourced from LegiScan and the Tennessee General Assembly. Conflict analysis examines the sponsor's personal financial interests for potential overlaps with the bill's subject matter.
What does TN SB0419 do?
This bill proposes to double the maximum amount of money that a person can receive for non-economic damages in a civil lawsuit in Tennessee. For most cases, the limit would increase from $750,000 to $1.5 million, and for cases involving catastrophic injuries, the limit would rise from $1 million to $2 million.
What is the status of TN SB0419?
TN SB0419 is currently “Engrossed” in the Tennessee legislature.
Who sponsored TN SB0419?
Joseph Hensley (R) sponsored TN SB0419.
