Americans for Prosperity-Tennessee Applauds the Passage of Property Rights Protection Act and Flexible Benefit Accounts
Nashville, TN – Today, Americans for Prosperity – Tennessee (AFP-TN) applauds the final passage of the two key pieces of legislation: The Property Rights Protection Act (HB 444/SB 480), and the Voluntary Portable Benefit Plan Act (HB 494/SB 1377). These landmark pieces of legislation strengthen prosperity and individual freedom across Tennessee.
The Voluntary Portable Benefit Plan passed the House 82:13 and passed the Senate 27:3. The Property Rights Protection Act also passed the House today 81:11, after passing the Senate unanimously on March 6, 2025.
The Property Rights Protection Act (HB 444 / SB 480) by Rep. Bud Hulsey and Sen. Janice Bowling:
The Property Rights Protection Act safeguards non-blighted property owners from having their land seized through eminent domain for private redevelopment if they live in a “blighted area.” This protection is especially critical for communities in Northeast Tennessee, where Hurricane Helene caused widespread damage, leaving many vulnerable to government overreach. Tennesseans have made it clear that they oppose the abuse of eminent domain, and this bill reflects the start of change they wish to see.
The Voluntary Portable Benefit Plan Act (HB 494/SB 1377) by Rep. Charlie Baum and Sen. Bo Watson:
The Voluntary Portable Benefit Plan Act introduces critical reforms for independent contractors, such as authorizing marketplace platforms to provide medical and other insurance benefits to gig workers and 1099 independent contractors. This bill empowers businesses to offer and fund PBAs (portable benefit accounts), giving entrepreneurs greater transparency and control over their health care.
AFP-TN State Director Tori Venable released the following statement:
“At Americans for Prosperity, we are thrilled to see the House and Senate prioritize policy solutions that strengthen individual freedoms and make the Volunteer State a better place to live for all Tennesseans. A special thanks to the sponsors Sen. Bo Watson, Sen. Janice Bowling, Rep. Bud Hulsey, and Rep. Charlie Baum.
“The Property Rights Protection Act is a commonsense solution that ensures Tennesseans are not exploited by overreaching government entities. This is crucially important for victims of Hurricane Helene, where affected families need certainty that their land is safe from eminent domain abuses.
“Years ago, Tennessee led the nation to set up a gig economy. And now, self-employed Tennesseans and independent contractors can have access to free market solutions that will improve healthcare transparency and access. Nashville is a health care innovation hub filled with entertainers pursuing their American Dream in Music City. Flexible benefit accounts will be part of that dream and the Volunteer Way.
“We are proud of the great advancements in the House and Senate today, and we look forward to Governor Bill Lee signing these pieces of legislation into law to strengthen the freedoms and liberties, enshrining the Volunteer Way.”
