Tennessee Senate Bill SB2066

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/26/24
• Engrossed: 2/29/24
• Enrolled: 4/5/24
• Passed: 4/19/24
• Chaptered: 5/1/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 68, Chapter 120 and Title 71, Chapter 3, relative to carbon monoxide alarms.

Impact

The enactment of SB 2066 will have a substantial impact on child care facilities in Tennessee, necessitating immediate adjustments to their safety protocols. Child care agencies will be required to assess their current infrastructure and potentially incur costs associated with installing the mandated alarms. Moreover, by enforcing compliance, the bill aims to protect children from the dangers of carbon monoxide exposure, thereby improving overall safety standards in facilities that care for vulnerable populations.

Summary

Senate Bill 2066 seeks to enhance safety standards in child care agencies across Tennessee by mandating the installation of carbon monoxide alarms in rooms where care is provided to children. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically addressing Title 68 and Title 71. The alarms must comply with the International Building Code and International Fire Code to ensure effective carbon monoxide detection. The enforcement of this mandate will classify violations as Class C misdemeanors, with each day of non-compliance treated as a separate offense, thereby significantly increasing the urgency for compliance among child care facilities.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding SB 2066 appears to be positive, especially among child safety advocates and parents who recognize the importance of proactive measures to safeguard children. Legislators have largely supported the bill due to its clear focus on improving the welfare of children in care. There is, however, a recognition of potential challenges, such as the financial burden on smaller child care providers to install the required alarms, possibly resulting in varied levels of compliance across the state.

Contention

While SB 2066 has gained support, it is not without its points of contention. Some stakeholders express concerns regarding the financial implications on small child care agencies, which may struggle to meet the new requirements. Furthermore, discussions around the timeframe for compliance and the specific technical standards referenced in the bill have also been focal points of debate. The balance between ensuring child safety and maintaining operational viability for child care providers remains a critical aspect of the ongoing discourse around this legislation.