TN
Tennessee House Bill HB0855

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

Tennessee House Bill HB0855

Introduced
1/30/23  
Refer
2/2/23  
Refer
3/7/23  
Refer
3/15/23  
Engrossed
3/21/23  
Enrolled
4/18/23  
Passed
5/5/23  

Caption

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

Impact

The impact of HB 855 on state laws includes modifications to adoption and guardianship procedures that could streamline court processes, enhance clarity in legal language, and strengthen protections for children. Key provisions aim to ensure timely interventions in cases involving adoption, particularly when concerning children with special needs. By mandating specific protocols such as the appointment of guardians ad litem, the bill aims to foster an environment where children's rights are upheld, ensuring that their voices are heard throughout the legal proceedings.

Summary

House Bill 855 is legislation aimed at amending various sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated related to child adoption and guardianship. This bill seeks to refine legal terminology and procedures in order to better serve the best interests of children involved in adoption cases. Noteworthy modifications include clarifications on the appointment of guardians ad litem for children with mental disabilities at age fourteen and older, as well as updated language pertinent to putative fathers and their legal standing within adoption proceedings. The changes underscore an emphasis on protecting the rights and welfare of children during these sensitive legal processes.

Sentiment

Discussion surrounding HB 855 reflected a generally supportive sentiment among lawmakers, particularly regarding the bill's intent to safeguard children's welfare in adoption settings. Advocacy groups focused on child welfare expressed cautious optimism, viewing the proposed changes as steps in the right direction. However, some concerns were raised about the implications for putative fathers and their rights under the newly suggested measures. The dialogue indicated a shared desire to improve the adoption process while balancing the legal rights of all parties involved.

Contention

Notable points of contention during discussions included the nuances of incorporating provisions for putative fathers and the changes to legal definitions regarding parental rights. Critics expressed apprehension about possible consequences of the amendments for fathers who may not be actively involved in their children's lives but still retain certain legal rights. The debate highlighted the tension between modifying existing frameworks to protect children's best interests while also ensuring that all parental perspectives are adequately represented and considered in adoption cases.

Latest HB0855 Activity

Companion Bills

TN SB0921

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

Similar Bills

TN HB0992

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 1, Chapter 3; Section 2-3-107; Title 4, Chapter 29, Part 2; Section 8-35-242; Section 8-38-126; Section 9-8-203; Section 10-7-504; Section 37-1-408 and Title 49, relative to charter schools.

TN SB1014

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 1, Chapter 3; Section 2-3-107; Title 4, Chapter 29, Part 2; Section 8-35-242; Section 8-38-126; Section 9-8-203; Section 10-7-504; Section 37-1-408 and Title 49, relative to charter schools.

TN HB0074

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 2; Title 4; Title 8; Title 36; Title 37; Title 38; Title 40; Title 41; Title 49; Title 50; Title 54; Title 55; Title 62; Title 63 and Title 68, relative to high school equivalency credentials.

TN SB0255

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 2; Title 4; Title 8; Title 36; Title 37; Title 38; Title 40; Title 41; Title 49; Title 50; Title 54; Title 55; Title 62; Title 63 and Title 68, relative to high school equivalency credentials.

TN HB0321

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 1; Title 2; Title 3; Title 4; Title 5; Title 7; Title 8; Title 9; Title 10; Title 11; Title 12; Title 13; Title 16; Title 20; Title 22; Title 24; Title 31; Title 33; Title 36; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 43; Title 44; Title 45; Title 47; Title 48; Title 49; Title 50; Title 53; Title 54; Title 55; Title 56; Title 61; Title 62; Title 63; Title 64; Title 65; Title 66; Title 67; Title 68; Title 69 and Title 71, relative to electronic transmissions.

TN SB0329

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 1; Title 2; Title 3; Title 4; Title 5; Title 7; Title 8; Title 9; Title 10; Title 11; Title 12; Title 13; Title 16; Title 20; Title 22; Title 24; Title 31; Title 33; Title 36; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 43; Title 44; Title 45; Title 47; Title 48; Title 49; Title 50; Title 53; Title 54; Title 55; Title 56; Title 61; Title 62; Title 63; Title 64; Title 65; Title 66; Title 67; Title 68; Title 69 and Title 71, relative to electronic transmissions.

TN SB1227

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Chapter 7; Title 8; Title 10; Title 33; Title 36; Title 37; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 49; Title 50; Title 57; Title 67; Title 68 and Title 70, relative to firearms.

TN HB1189

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Chapter 7; Title 8; Title 10; Title 33; Title 36; Title 37; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 49; Title 50; Title 57; Title 67; Title 68 and Title 70, relative to firearms.