Tennessee Senate Bill SB0372

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/24/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 37, Chapter 5, relative to persons having an intellectual disability.

Impact

The legislation aims to have a significant impact on the identification and treatment of children with intellectual disabilities placed in youth development centers. By formalizing the criteria for what constitutes an intellectual disability, SB0372 intends to ensure that appropriate assessments and support services are provided to affected individuals. This could positively influence the care and educational strategies for these children, aligning services with their specific needs based on clear legal standards.

Summary

Senate Bill 372 (SB0372) seeks to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 37, Chapter 5, regarding individuals with intellectual disabilities. The bill defines 'intellectual disability' as characterized by significantly subaverage general intellectual functioning, deficits in adaptive behavior, and that the condition must have emerged during the developmental period or by the age of eighteen. This definition aims to provide clarity in identifying individuals with such disabilities under Tennessee law.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding SB0372 appears to be supportive among advocates for individuals with disabilities. Stakeholders in the health and education sectors are likely to view this bill as a crucial step forward in providing clear definitions and guidelines, necessary for better resource allocation and support systems. However, some potential concerns may arise regarding the implementation of this assessment process and ensuring that adequate funding and resources are available to fulfill the requirements set forth in the bill.

Contention

While the bill largely garners support, there may be points of contention related to concerns about the adequacy of funding for implementing the mandated assessments and resources for youth development centers. Additionally, the precision of definitions may raise questions about how individuals are evaluated and categorized, which could lead to debates on best practices within different regional or local contexts regarding care and support for children with intellectual disabilities.