Tennessee Senate Bill SB0560

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/30/25
• Engrossed: 3/31/25
• Enrolled: 4/17/25

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 36; Title 37 and Title 39, relative to children.

Impact

If enacted, SB0560 could significantly reframe the circumstances under which a parent can be deemed negligent or abusive, potentially reducing the number of cases leading to interventions by social services and juvenile courts. By delineating financial hardship from abuse and neglect, the bill aims to provide greater protection for parents struggling economically. The legislation places an emphasis on the necessity for social support systems to be adequately utilized before taking legal action against a parent for financial inability to provide for a child. This will likely contribute to a legal landscape where support systems are prioritized over punitive measures.

Summary

Senate Bill 560 (SB0560) aims to amend several sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated concerning child welfare and parental rights. The bill seeks to establish that financial hardship alone should not be considered a basis for determining abuse or neglect by a parent or guardian. Key changes include the stipulation that allegations of abuse or neglect cannot stand if they are solely due to financial difficulties, provided that reasonable material resources, like cash assistance or stable housing, were offered and subsequently refused by the parent. This alters the legal definition of what constitutes neglect and abuse in the context of parental financial hardships.

Contention

While proponents argue that this bill will protect vulnerable families from the stigma of financial hardship impacting their parenting capabilities, there are potential concerns that it might also lead to a leniency towards genuine cases of neglect under the guise of financial distress. Critics among child welfare advocates fear that this amendment could hinder the state's ability to protect children in precarious situations. Additionally, the wording of the bill regarding what constitutes 'reasonable material resources' may lack clarity, potentially leaving room for interpretation that could affect court rulings. The balance between ensuring family unity and safeguarding children's welfare is expected to be a point of contention during discussions surrounding this legislation.