Tennessee House Bill HB2254

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/29/24
• Refer: 2/1/24
• Refer: 3/5/24
• Refer: 3/13/24
• Chaptered: 4/17/24
• Passed: 4/17/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 36; Title 37 and Title 68, relative to child fatality review teams.

Impact

The enactment of HB2254 will lead to significant changes in how child fatality review teams are structured and operate within the state. By mandating parental representation, the bill positions itself to create a more inclusive environment that includes the perspectives of family members who have faced child loss. This could potentially lead to more effective investigations and solutions to perceived failings in child welfare services, ultimately aiming to improve child protection strategies throughout Tennessee.

Summary

House Bill 2254 proposes amendments to several titles within the Tennessee Code Annotated, focusing primarily on the establishment and operations of child fatality review teams. The bill seeks to enhance the composition of these teams by requiring the appointment of three parents, each of whom has a child under the age of eighteen. This amendment aims to ensure that parents who are directly affected by child welfare issues have a voice in discussions and reviews surrounding child fatalities, thus enhancing the responsiveness and relevance of the teams’ conclusions and recommendations to real-world situations.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HB2254 appears to be supportive, particularly among child advocacy groups and organizations focused on family welfare. These stakeholders applaud the bill's intent to involve parents in critical discussions that can help shape better policies. However, there may also be concerns among some legislators about the practicality of such appointments, including potential conflicts of interest and the logistics of ensuring that appointed parents can effectively contribute to the review process without bias or emotional distress.

Contention

While HB2254 enjoys broad support, there are notable points of contention regarding implementation and effectiveness. Critics may question whether the bill sufficiently addresses the complexities of reviewing child fatalities, particularly in cases involving systemic failures. Ensuring that the perspectives of the appointed parents are balanced with professional insights from social workers and health officials might pose challenges. Additionally, the lack of compensation for parent representatives could lead to concerns about who is able to participate fully. Therefore, the discussions on HB2254 highlight an ongoing dialogue about improving child welfare versus the practicalities of enacting change.