TN HB2082

Parents or guardians who raise children consistent with their biological sex—including using pronouns matching biological sex and declining gender transition services—cannot be found guilty of child abuse, neglect, or severe child abuse under Tennessee law.

Children cannot be taken into custody, placed in shelter care, or removed from parents solely because parents make decisions based on the child's biological sex, including refusing gender transition-related medical or mental health services.

A child's disagreement with a parent's decision to raise them consistent with their biological sex cannot be used as a basis for declaring the child "unruly" or for court-ordered dispositions, unless the parent requests such action.

Courts determining custody arrangements cannot consider it a negative factor if a parent raises or intends to raise a child consistent with the child's biological sex.

The act takes effect immediately upon becoming law; it explicitly states it does not authorize any other acts that would otherwise constitute child abuse or neglect under existing law.