Tennessee House Bill HB2166

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/25/24
• Refer: 1/31/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 37, relative to juvenile courts.

Impact

The amendments to Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically Section 37-1-130, introduce stricter guidelines for the detention of children found dependent or neglected. The bill mandates that any disposition leading to a child's detention must include the provision of necessary services based on evaluations. Moreover, it stipulates that children should not be placed in shelter care without adequate services for longer than thirty days, promoting a more rehabilitative approach rather than punitive measures. This is likely to impact how juvenile cases are evaluated and managed within the state.

Summary

House Bill 2166 amends Tennessee law related to juvenile courts, specifically addressing the treatment of children found to be dependent or neglected. The bill outlines new conditions under which a child can be committed to an institution designed for delinquent children. Under the new provisions, such commitment is only permissible if the child is also deemed delinquent or poses a risk of harm to themselves or others, as determined by a preponderance of evidence. This change is intended to ensure that children are not inappropriately placed in facilities not suited for their needs.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB2166 may arise from differing perspectives on child welfare and juvenile justice. Proponents argue that the bill is a significant step towards protecting vulnerable children by ensuring they receive appropriate services and are only placed in restrictive environments when absolutely necessary. Critics, however, may voice concerns over the implications of the commitment criteria, fearing that the thresholds for placement may still leave room for subjective interpretations by judges, potentially leading to inconsistent applications across cases.