Tennessee House Bill HB0800

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/30/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 12; Title 29; Title 33; Title 36; Title 39; Title 40; Title 50; Title 56; Title 63 and Title 68, relative to the right to object.

Impact

The implications of HB 800 may influence how the state's departments handle public objections in the context of family and children's services. It establishes a more structured approach to documenting and communicating objections, which could potentially lead to improved insights into regional issues. The annual reporting requirement intends to provide lawmakers with the data needed to address any recurrent concerns effectively, thus facilitating legislative decision-making based on empirical evidence of county-level issues.

Summary

House Bill 800 aims to amend various titles within the Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically targeting the reporting duties of the Department of Children's Services and the Department of Human Services. This legislation requires these departments to annually report objections received in relation to specified regulations to the judiciary committee of the senate and the children and family affairs subcommittee of the house of representatives. By mandating such reports, the bill seeks to enhance oversight and accountability in how objections are managed across counties in Tennessee.

Contention

While the bill serves to clarify and standardize the reporting of objections, there could be arguments regarding its effectiveness and the extent of bureaucracy it may introduce. Some stakeholders might voice concerns about the impact of increased reporting duties on departmental resources and whether this will sufficiently address the nuanced needs of families and children in Tennessee. The balance between accountability and operational efficiency may be a focal point of debate among lawmakers as they consider the bill's provision.