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TN HB2128

Bill

Status

Introduced

2/2/2026

Primary Sponsor

Rebecca Alexander

Click for details

Origin

House of Representatives

114th General Assembly

AI Summary

  • Establishes fundamental rights for children in Tennessee including equal protection under the law, safety from harm, and consideration of their best interests as paramount in all legal proceedings and governmental actions

  • Prohibits knowingly placing children in custody or unsupervised contact with any person having a documented history of child abuse, domestic violence, or conduct posing substantial risk of harm

  • Guarantees children the right to qualified legal counsel (not an agent of the court) in proceedings affecting their welfare, custody, or placement, and the right to have their views considered in an age-appropriate manner

  • Requires courts to consider all available evidence regarding child safety risks and provide clear justification when placing a child against recommendations of child protective services, guardians ad litem, or child welfare professionals

  • Creates a cause of action allowing children, through their representatives, to seek judicial relief for violations of these rights, classifying violations as deprivation of constitutional rights under color of law

Legislative Description

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 36 and Title 37, relative to children.

Children

Last Action

Taken off notice for cal in s/c Children and Family Affairs Subcommittee of Judiciary Committee

3/10/2026

Committee Referrals

Children & Families Subcommittee3/4/2026
Judiciary2/5/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available