Tennessee House Bill HB0739

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/3/25

Caption

AN ACT to amend Chapter __ of the Public Acts of 2025 (1st Ex. Sess. – SB 6001 / HB 6004); and Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, relative to education.

Impact

The implementation of HB 0739 is expected to positively impact state laws concerning the monitoring and reporting of child welfare issues within schools. By requiring schools to display the hotline information prominently, the bill intends to foster a culture of vigilance related to child safety. It aims to empower individuals to take action when they suspect abuse or neglect, potentially leading to earlier interventions by child protective services and improving the overall welfare of children in educational settings.

Summary

House Bill 0739 is an act aimed at enhancing the accountability of elementary and secondary schools in Tennessee regarding child abuse and neglect reporting. The bill mandates that all schools post a toll-free telephone number operated by the Department of Children's Services (DCS) on their websites. This initiative is designed to make it easier for parents, students, and community members to report any incidents of child abuse or neglect, thus promoting greater awareness and action on these critical issues within the school environment.

Contention

While the bill primarily focuses on improving child protection measures, there might be discussions around the adequacy of existing resources within the DCS to handle an increase in reports stemming from the new requirement. Concerns may also arise regarding privacy and the protocols for handling reports made via the hotline. As such, the bill could open avenues for further legislative discussions on resource allocation and the responsibilities of schools to effectively manage and support the reporting process.