Tennessee House Bill HB1394

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/23
• Refer: 2/2/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 8; Title 9 and Title 37, relative to children.

Impact

The bill is intended to ensure that children in state custody retain access to their benefits upon reaching adulthood. By establishing a trust account for these funds, the legislation reflects a shift in how the state manages financial resources meant for vulnerable children. This change is aimed at providing children with financial support when they turn eighteen, thereby promoting their financial independence as they transition into adulthood.

Summary

House Bill 1394 aims to amend various sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically focusing on the management of survivor benefits and disability benefits for children in the custody of the department of children's services. The bill specifically states that the department shall not collect or expend any moneys received as benefits from the Social Security Administration or the Department of Veterans Affairs on behalf of a child under its custody. Instead, such funds will be held in a trust account for the child.

Contention

While the bill seems beneficial in securing funds for children, it may raise questions regarding the fiscal responsibilities of the department of children's services. Stakeholders might express concerns regarding the management of these trust accounts and the state’s role in safeguarding the child's financial resources until they reach maturity. Critics may also worry about how effectively the department can implement this system without additional oversight.

Notable_points

Significantly, the bill underscores the need for ethical handling of funds that are designated for children in state care. The legislation could also pave the way for future bills addressing financial literacy or independence programs for children transitioning from state custody to adult life.