TN SB1989

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 have children removed from their custody on that basis alone

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

Parents and caregivers who make medical or mental health decisions based on a child's biological sex, including declining gender transition treatments, are protected from criminal child abuse and neglect charges under Tennessee Code § 39-15-401 and § 39-15-402

Courts determining child custody arrangements cannot treat a parent's decision to raise a child consistent with biological sex as a negative factor in best-interest-of-the-child determinations

Takes effect immediately upon becoming law; does not authorize any other conduct that would otherwise constitute child abuse or neglect under existing law