March 30, 2026 - April 3, 2026.

U.S Rep. David Kustoff and U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn have introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at supporting rural and low-income area hospitals by adjusting the Medicare Area Wage Index, which affects payments based on local and national labor market wages, the Commercial Appeal reports in a round-up of recent news. The bill, cosponsored in the House by Democratic Rep. Terri Sewell of Alabama and in the Senate by Mark Warner of Virginia, seeks to address funding disparities that often leave rural hospitals competing for staff with higher-paying urban centers. “Access to health care should not depend on a person’s ZIP code,” Kustoff said, while Sewell noted the bill would help prevent hospital closures that force patients to travel farther for care, limit maternity services and reduce access to longtime doctors. The measure would allow the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to better account for challenges facing hospitals in underserved communities according to the sponsors. Read more in a release from Blackburn's office.

East Tennessee Lawyers Association for Women (ETLAW) will host its annual Tennessee Supreme Court Luncheon on May 6 at 11:15 a.m. EDT at the Hilton Knoxville in downtown Knoxville. The event will feature lunch and programming, during which members of the Tennessee judiciary will be recognized. In addition, Tennessee Supreme Court Justice Holly M. Kirby, who served on the Tennessee Court of Appeals from 1995 to 2014 before joining the Supreme Court in 2014, will offer remarks reflecting on her decades of service. Kirby announced last fall she would retire on June 30 of this year.

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has warned Tennessee state lawmakers that ending Ballad Health’s state-approved hospital monopoly without immediate competition could raise health care costs. The legislation in question would end Ballad’s Certificate of Public Advantage (COPA) agreement in 2028, lifting restrictions on the 20-hospital chain in Tennessee and Virginia. A second bill would eliminate a law allowing hospitals to block competitors through a Certificate of Need (CON) process in 2030, the Tennessee Lookout reports. The FTC said the two-year gap could “undermine” the lawmakers’ goal of increasing competition. The monopoly, created in 2018, has faced scrutiny for failing to meet benchmarks on infection rates, mortality, emergency room wait times, and patient satisfaction. FTC officials said the proposed timeline could be the “worst possible outcome for patients” by limiting oversight while still restricting competition. Ballad Health officials said they will defer to lawmakers on future policy decisions.

The state House of Representatives on March 26 passed a bill that would make it a felony for state or local officials to disclose “confidential” immigration enforcement information, sending the measure to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk, the Tennessean reports. HB2506/SB1464, sponsored by House Speaker Cameron Sexton, R-Crossville, and Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, R-Oak Ridge, aims to protect law enforcement officers by keeping their names, contact information and operational details — including dates, times and strategies — confidential. Proponents say the bill safeguards officers’ safety without preventing protests or citizens from filming immigration enforcement. Opponents argue it could be used to limit public oversight and hinder recording of officers. The measure passed by a 70-19 vote in less than two minutes according to the paper. Companion legislation passed the Senate on March 9.

The chief executive officer of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) will retire July 1, according to Knox News. Don Moul, who has served as CEO since April 9, 2025, notified the utility’s board of directors of his decision on April 3. Moul joined TVA in 2021 as chief operating officer and became its fourth CEO in April 2025 following the retirement of Jeff Lyash. He continued to serve as operations chief during his tenure, which is the shortest of any TVA CEO in modern history, according to the paper. Since his appointment, Moul has faced criticism from the Trump administration and Republican U.S. Sens. Marsha Blackburn and Bill Hagerty about the utility’s leadership and the pace of its nuclear project development.

Mayor Freddie O’Connell on Friday announced the appointment of Stephanie Bradley as director of crime prevention and violence reduction for his office, according to the Nashville Banner newsletter. Bradley previously held multiple roles at Penn State University’s Evidence-based Prevention and Intervention Support Center and later founded a consulting firm focused on youth policy for government agencies and nonprofits. O’Connell made the announcement alongside Metro Nashville Police Chief John Drake and Office of Family Safety Director Diane Lance, noting a continued decline in crime rates during the first quarter of the year. In her new role, Bradley will support the Community Safety Task Force, which is currently developing a community safety plan.

The Rutherford County Library Board voted last week to remove its top librarian after she refused to comply with a directive to move more than 100 LGBTQ-themed books from the children’s section to the adult section, according to WPLN. The board voted 8-3 to terminate director Luanne James with some board members arguing the material promotes “gender confusion.” James opposed the directive, saying the move would violate First Amendment protections and conflict with her professional responsibilities. The decision has drawn significant support for James. Nearly $84,000 has been raised to assist her, according to WSMV 4. A GoFundMe page created by a community member states the funds will go toward supporting her family’s basic living expenses. James also spoke about the situation in an interview with The Associated Press.

The Judicial Council of the National Bar Association (NBA) will host a reception and fundraiser on April 29 from 6-7:30 p.m. CDT at the law offices of Baker Donelson to support its annual conference, which will take place July 25 through Aug. 1 in Nashville. NBA Judicial Council Chair Justice Freddrenna Lyle of the Illinois Appellate Court and NBA President Ashley Upkins of Nashville are expected to attend and offer brief remarks. Attendees should RSVP to Monte Watkins at montewatkins7@gmail.com. The law firm is located at 1600 West End Ave., Ste. 2000, Nashville, TN 37203.

Elder Law Basics 2026, a virtual CLE program designed for attorneys new to elder law or seeking a refresher, will take place on April 10 from 10 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. CDT. The program will cover key aspects of elder law, with experienced practitioners providing insights on recent developments and best practices. Registrants will receive connection details and course materials the week of the event. For information and to register visit the TBA website.