Children

Plain English Breakdown

The official source material does not provide specific details on updates to Title 36, only mentions amendments to Title 37.

Expanding Definition of Dependent and Neglected Children

This bill amends Tennessee laws to include children whose parents or guardians cannot provide proper care due to circumstances beyond their control as dependent and neglected children, requiring a court hearing to confirm this status.

What This Bill Does

• Adds a new part (K) to the definition of 'dependent and neglected child' in Title 37, which includes children whose parents or guardians can't provide proper care because of situations they can't control.
• Requires courts to hold an adjudicatory hearing to determine if a child fits this new definition before classifying them as dependent and neglected.

Who It Names or Affects

• Children whose parents or guardians cannot provide care due to circumstances beyond their control.
• Courts that will hold hearings to decide if children fit this new definition.

Terms To Know

Dependent and neglected child

A child who is not being properly cared for by their parents or guardians, as defined by Tennessee law.

Adjudicatory hearing

A court hearing where a judge decides if a child meets the legal definition of 'dependent and neglected'.

Limits and Unknowns

• The bill does not specify what kinds of circumstances are considered beyond a parent's or guardian's control.
• It is unclear how this change will affect existing cases or resources for families in need.

Official Summary Text

Abstract summarizes the bill.

Current Bill Text

HOUSE BILL 1699
By Raper

SENATE BILL 1703
By Lowe
SB1703
010140
- 1 -

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

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE:
SECTION 1. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 37-1-102(b)(13), is amended by
adding the following as a new subdivision:
(K) Whose parent or guardian is unable to provide for the care and control of the
child due to circumstances beyond the parent's or guardian's control;
SECTION 2. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 37-1-129, is amended by designating
subdivision (b)(1) as subdivision (b)(1)(A) and adding the following new subdivision (b)(1)(B):
(B) In order for a child to be found to be a dependent and neglected child under
§ 37-1-102(b)(13)(K), the court must hold an adjudicatory hearing and find that the
parent or guardian is unable to provide for the care and control of the child and that the
inability to provide such care and control is due to circumstances that are beyond the
parent's or guardian's control.
SECTION 3. This act takes effect upon becoming a law, the public welfare requiring it.