Plain English Breakdown
The bill is still active and awaiting further steps in the legislative process. The effective date is July 1, 2026.
Tennessee Child Care Hosting Safe Harbor Act
This bill provides immunity from civil liability for employers and host entities who allow child care providers to operate on their property, as long as the employer/host does not manage or control the provider.
What This Bill Does
- Creates a new law called the Tennessee Child Care Hosting Safe Harbor Act.
- Says that an employer or host entity cannot be held responsible in court for damages caused by child care providers operating on their property, if the provider is licensed and the employer/host does not manage them.
- Clarifies that providing space, utilities, maintenance, security, improvements, or financial support to a child care provider does not mean the employer or host manages the provider.
- States that this law does not stop people from suing child care providers directly.
Who It Names or Affects
- Employers who provide space for child care on their property.
- Host entities like nonprofits, faith-based organizations, and educational institutions that allow a child care provider to use their property.
- Child care providers licensed by the state of Tennessee.
Terms To Know
- Employer
- A person or entity that helps pay for child care costs for employees or allows a child care provider to operate on its premises, as long as it does not manage the provider.
- Host Entity
- An organization that lets a child care provider use its property, including nonprofits, faith-based groups, community organizations, educational institutions, and property owners or renters.
Limits and Unknowns
- The law only applies to actions arising on or after July 1, 2026.
- It does not protect employers or host entities if they are grossly negligent or act willfully misconducted causing harm.
- This bill is still active and awaiting further steps in the legislative process.