TN SB2509

Local governments must establish expedited permit review for child care agencies, with applications assigned within 5 business days and final decisions issued within 90 calendar days; permits are automatically approved if deadlines are missed

Fire safety inspections for child care licensing must be conducted exclusively by the state fire marshal, eliminating separate local fire department inspections and establishing uniform statewide standards

Child care agencies are permitted as a use by right in any zone allowing office, commercial, industrial, or institutional uses, with conditional use permits processed within 60 days

Employer-based child care facilities serving employees' children are permitted as an accessory use to any lawful business without requiring a zoning variance

Effective July 1, 2026 for all applications submitted on or after that date; rulemaking authority takes effect immediately upon becoming law