Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

Tennessee Senate Bill SB2395

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 37; Title 39; Title 49; Title 68 and Title 71, relative to child care.

Impact

If enacted, SB2395 will require a comprehensive evaluation and report on the state of child care in Tennessee, which could lead to significant changes in legislation aimed at improving child care services. The findings may inform new policies to enhance the availability of affordable child care, potentially benefiting many families across the state. The legislation underscores the state's acknowledgment of the pressures facing working families regarding child care and the necessity for government intervention to alleviate these issues.

Summary

Senate Bill 2395 aims to address the challenges of child care accessibility and affordability for working families in Tennessee. The bill mandates the commissioner of human services to conduct a study focused on several key areas: the availability of affordable child care options, the impact of inflation and cost of living on these options, and potential statutory changes to improve accessibility and affordability. This study is expected to provide valuable insights into the factors affecting child care for families whose parents work outside the home.

Contention

While the bill appears to be a proactive step towards addressing child care issues, there may be points of contention regarding the approach and the implications of any resulting policies. Stakeholders, including child care providers, parents, and legislators, might debate the effectiveness of merely studying the issue without immediate financial incentives or support to enhance child care services. Additionally, the potential costs of adjusting state laws to increase accessibility could provoke discussions about budget allocations and the prioritization of funding for child care initiatives.

Companion Bills

TN HB2428

Crossfiled AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 37; Title 39; Title 49; Title 68 and Title 71, relative to child care.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.