TN HB1783

Court-appointed special advocates (CASAs) serve as independent sources of factual information to judges regarding placement, custody, and welfare decisions for children and families in court proceedings.

The Department of Children's Services must provide CASAs with full, unredacted access to all current and historical information about the child, parents, or relevant persons within 10 business days of a request.

State departments, agencies, schools, court clerks, organizations, and law enforcement must provide CASAs complete, unredacted access to case-relevant records within 10 business days, with an exemption for active criminal investigations.

Courts must establish a mechanism for CASAs without attorney representation to obtain subpoenas for records or testimony not otherwise obtainable.

The act takes effect immediately upon becoming law.