Tennessee Senate Bill SB1005

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/5/25
• Engrossed: 3/27/25
• Enrolled: 4/22/25
• Passed: 5/5/25
• Chaptered: 5/13/25

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 18; Title 36 and Title 37, relative to adoption.

Impact

The amendment will have a direct impact on Tennessee Code Annotated, particularly Title 36 concerning adoption. By permitting a single petition for the adoption of siblings, the bill seeks to facilitate family unity and continuity by making it less cumbersome for families to adopt siblings together. In addition, it mandates that the court clerk charge only one filing fee for this combined petition, promoting financial accessibility for potential adoptive parents.

Summary

Senate Bill 1005 is a legislative proposal aimed at amending Tennessee's adoption laws, specifically addressing the process of adopting siblings. The primary change introduced by the bill allows petitioners who wish to adopt more than one child at the same time, provided the children are siblings, to submit a single petition for adoption. This is significant as it simplifies the legal process and reduces administrative burdens on families, allowing them to navigate the adoption process more efficiently.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB1005 appears to be positive, as it responds to the practical challenges faced by families considering the adoption of multiple children. Supporters of the bill, likely including adoption advocates and family support groups, view it as a progressive step that recognizes the importance of keeping siblings together during adoption. The bill has received unanimous support in preliminary voting, indicating a strong consensus in favor of the proposed changes.

Contention

While there appears to be broad support for SB1005, some points of contention could arise concerning the court's discretion in determining whether separate petitions might better serve the children's interests. The requirement for a court to issue a written order if separate petitions are needed could lead to discussions about judicial workload and the balance between efficiency and ensuring that each child's needs are appropriately considered during the adoption process.