TN HB2127

Res judicata doctrine cannot block admission of evidence about a parent's or caregiver's prior conduct when relevant to a child's best interest, including testimony, medical records, police reports, CPS records, and mandatory reporter documentation

Courts must give highest weight to credible evidence of physical abuse, sexual abuse, or domestic violence when determining a child's best interest, applied equally to abuse against any household member including siblings

Creates a presumption that placement with a parent found to have committed physical abuse, sexual abuse, or domestic violence is not in the child's best interest

Courts placing a child with an abusive parent must provide written findings explaining why the presumption was rebutted and must review available protective services records before issuing such orders

Takes effect immediately upon becoming law