House Bill 133 amends Tennessee Code Annotated to establish a pilot program for facilities serving individuals with disabilities across the state's three grand divisions: western, middle, and eastern. The bill specifies that one pilot participant must be located in each division and outlines eligibility criteria for participants in the eastern grand division. These criteria include possessing a specific license, owning property of at least 26 acres in a designated county, and providing residential services for up to 60 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Additionally, the bill mandates that participants foster inclusive communities by offering homes for individuals of all abilities.

The bill also revises several existing provisions related to the pilot program. It updates requirements for bedroom and bathroom facilities, establishes application timelines for participation, and clarifies that the department is not obligated to report outcomes for certain participants until their facilities are operational. The intent of the General Assembly is clearly stated to ensure balanced representation across the three grand divisions. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 52-2-418(d)(1), 52-2-418, 52-2-418(d)(3), 52-2-418(d)(4)(A)(iv), 52-2-418(d)(5), 52-2-418(d)(7), 52-2-418(d)(8)