HB 1396

This bill enacts the "Guaranteed Basic Income Act"" or the ""Protection Against Automation Act, "" which requires the department of human services to develop and implement a program in which eligible residents are awarded an annual guaranteed basic income grant beginning in 2026. As used in this bill, an ""eligible resident"" means an individual who ( i ) i s at least 18; ( ii ) p ossesses a valid Tennessee driver license or photo identification lic ense; ( iii ) i s a full-time resident of this state; and ( iv ) w as a full-time resident of this state in the immediately preceding year. DISTRIBUTION OF GRANTS This bill requires t he department to establish and publish guidelines for applications, includin g eligibility and the award of grants. The department must distribute guaranteed basic income grants in the amount of $3, 000 per year, which may be paid as a monthly or semi-monthly stipend, to each eligible resident who submits a completed application an d any supporting documents required by the department. An eligible resident must reapply to receive a grant in a subsequent year. GUARANTEED BASIC INCOME FUND This bill establishes t he guaranteed basic income fund as a separate account in the general f und to be composed of moneys appropriated by the general assembly for the fund, and gifts, grants, and other donations received by the department for the fund. Pursuant to action by the general assembly, the fund may receive deposits allocated from privil ege and excise taxes . RULEMAKING – FORMS This bill requires the department to promulgate forms and rules necessary to effectuate this bill and to make such forms available on the department's website."