Tennessee House Bill HB2844

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/24
• Refer: 3/26/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 33; Title 37; Title 38; Title 40; Title 41; Title 49; Title 68 and Title 71, relative to juveniles.

Impact

The implementation of HB2844 is expected to change how juvenile services are managed within Tennessee. By mandating regular reporting from volunteers, the bill seeks to improve oversight and foster better outcomes for juveniles by assessing their progress in real-time. This could facilitate more targeted support and interventions by utilizing the data collected through these reports. However, it also implies a requirement for volunteers to invest more time and effort into documentation, which could impact volunteer recruitment and retention in these programs.

Summary

House Bill 2844 focuses on amendments to various titles within the Tennessee Code Annotated concerning juvenile laws. The bill aims to establish clearer guidelines for the responsibilities and reporting obligations of volunteers involved in juvenile services. Specifically, it alters existing statutes to require volunteers to prepare and submit monthly reports evaluating the progress of juveniles they are working with. This change is intended to enhance accountability and oversight in programs that support at-risk youth, ensuring that volunteers contribute effectively to the rehabilitation and development of these individuals.

Contention

While the bill emphasizes enhancing the treatment and monitoring of juveniles, some stakeholders may raise concerns regarding the potential administrative burden it places on volunteers. Critics might argue that requiring monthly reports could deter individuals from participating in volunteer programs due to the increased responsibilities. Additionally, these reporting requirements could be seen as further bureaucratization of services designed to aid youth, potentially leading to unintended consequences in service delivery and volunteer engagement.