Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

Tennessee House Bill HB2959

Introduced
1/31/24  
Refer
2/5/24  
Refer
3/12/24  
Refer
3/20/24  
Refer
4/17/24  
Refer
4/17/24  
Chaptered
6/3/24  

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 36; Title 37 and Title 41, relative to incarcerated parents.

Impact

The proposed legislation is expected to have significant implications for state laws concerning parental rights and the welfare of children affected by parental incarceration. By mandating the development of a model parenting plan, the bill could lead to standardized practices across the state that acknowledge the unique challenges faced by incarcerated parents, potentially influencing court rulings and the treatment of such cases. The focus on creating supportive structures for families impacted by incarceration indicates an evolving approach to criminal justice and family welfare in Tennessee.

Summary

House Bill 2959 aims to amend the Tennessee Code related to incarcerated parents by establishing a committee to study the creation and implementation of parenting plans. These plans are intended to help maintain and facilitate ongoing relationships between incarcerated parents and their children. This initiative reflects a growing recognition of the importance of family connections for children whose parents are incarcerated, which can have long-term benefits for both the parents and their children.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 2959 appears to be generally positive, particularly among advocates for criminal justice reform and child welfare. Supporters see this bill as a step toward recognizing and addressing the needs of children whose parents are incarcerated, emphasizing the necessity of maintaining familial bonds. However, there may be some contention regarding the allocation of state resources for this committee and the effectiveness of such plans in practice, particularly from critics who question the practicality of state intervention in family dynamics.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise regarding the effectiveness and feasibility of implementing these parenting plans, as well as potential debates about the involvement of the state in private family matters. The bill establishes a committee composed of various stakeholders, including lawmakers and state agency representatives, which may invite scrutiny regarding representation and potential biases in the committee's composition. The initial findings and recommendations must be reported to legislative committees by December 2024, which could also lead to discussions surrounding the engagement or pushback from various community organizations and stakeholders invested in the welfare of incarcerated parents and their families.

Companion Bills

TN SB2879

Crossfiled AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 36; Title 37 and Title 41, relative to incarcerated parents.

Previously Filed As

TN SB2879

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 36; Title 37 and Title 41, relative to incarcerated parents.

TN SB1239

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

TN HB1357

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

TN SB0609

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4 and Title 37, relative to juvenile justice.

TN HB1103

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4 and Title 37, relative to juvenile justice.

TN HB0501

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4 and Title 37, relative to juvenile justice.

TN SB0444

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4 and Title 37, relative to juvenile justice.

TN HB2089

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 2; Title 4; Title 8; Title 12; Title 13; Title 33; Title 34; Title 37; Title 40; Title 41; Title 45; Title 49; Title 52; Title 55; Title 56; Title 63; Title 67; Title 68; Title 71 and Chapter 1100 of the Public Acts of 2010, relative to the Tennessee Disability and Aging Act of 2024.

TN SB2098

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 2; Title 4; Title 8; Title 12; Title 13; Title 33; Title 34; Title 37; Title 40; Title 41; Title 45; Title 49; Title 52; Title 55; Title 56; Title 63; Title 67; Title 68; Title 71 and Chapter 1100 of the Public Acts of 2010, relative to the Tennessee Disability and Aging Act of 2024.

TN SB2744

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 14; Title 36; Title 37; Title 39; Title 49; Title 63 and Title 68, relative to parental rights.

Similar Bills

NJ AR96

Changes membership of Budget and Labor Committees; clarifies that bill or resolution may be listed on committee agenda for purposes of amendment.

MI HB4326

Campaign finance: contributions and expenditures; provision related to officeholders raising funds when facing a recall; modify, and require candidate to establish a separate account used for recall purposes. Amends secs. 3, 11, 12, 21, 24 & 52 of 1976 PA 388 (MCL 169.203 et seq.) & adds sec. 21b.

MI HB4870

Campaign finance: contributions and expenditures; funds donated to a candidate for recall efforts; require candidate to establish a separate account used for recall purposes. Amends secs. 3, 11, 12, 21, 24 & 52 of 1976 PA 388 (MCL 169.203 et seq.) & adds sec. 21b.

MN HC6

A concurrent resolution recognizing wild rice as sacred and central to the culture and health of Indigenous Peoples in Minnesota and critical to the health and identity of all Minnesota citizens and ecosystems and establishing a commitment to passing legislation to protect wild rice and the freshwater resources upon which it depends.

CA SB602

Advisory bodies.

CA SB1048

Advisory bodies.

CA AB3239

Advisory bodies.

KS HR6003

Providing temporary rules of the House of Representatives for the 2023 session until permanent rules are adopted.