Bill > SB2671

This bill, known as the "Community Faith Transportation and Service Protection Act," establishes state-backed secondary liability insurance for vehicles used by faith-based organizations for community service, which includes activities like providing transportation for healthcare access, food security, disability assistance, elder care, or social services. A faith-based organization is defined as a church, synagogue, mosque, or religious nonprofit recognized under federal tax law (26 U.S.C. § 501(c)(3)), and this coverage also extends to partner nonprofit organizations (also 501(c)(3) entities) that use these vehicles for community service. This state-backed coverage, administered through the risk management fund, provides a minimum of $1,000,000 per occurrence for bodily injury and $250,000 per occurrence for property damage, and it applies when the vehicle is used for community service, the driver has a valid license, and the activity is not for private profit. Importantly, faith-based organizations and their members are generally protected from liability for injuries or damages arising from these community service vehicle uses, unless the harm was caused by gross negligence or willful or reckless misconduct. The bill also prohibits private insurance providers from denying coverage, excluding nonprofit or charitable use, or increasing premiums solely because a faith-based organization's vehicle is used for community service. The Department of Commerce and Insurance will create rules for this program, including coverage requirements, safety standards, and application procedures, with the act taking effect on July 1, 2026.

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https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/Default?BillNumber=SB2671&ga=114