AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 36 and Title 37, relative to children.
Summary
HB1120 makes a narrow change to Tennessee law governing zero to three court programs and safe baby courts. It amends Tennessee Code Annotated § 37-1-903(c)(2) to require each program to submit its program data and annual report to four entities: the Department of Children’s Services, the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, the Administrative Office of the Courts, and the Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, by February 1 each year.
The bill does not create a new program or change eligibility for services; instead, it standardizes and clarifies reporting requirements for existing early-childhood and family court initiatives. It takes effect immediately upon becoming law, reflecting a legislative preference for prompt implementation of the revised reporting deadline and recipients.
Impact
The bill amends a single reporting provision in Title 37, affecting zero to three court programs and safe baby courts by expanding and clarifying where annual program reports must be sent and by setting a specific annual deadline of February 1. The practical impact is on administrative compliance and oversight rather than on substantive child welfare or court operations, and it increases the flow of program information to state agencies and judicial bodies involved in child and family services.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee debate or votes in the provided materials, the measure appears to be noncontroversial and administrative in nature. The immediate effective date suggests general support for improving reporting consistency and oversight of programs serving young children and families.
Contention
No specific points of contention are documented in the provided transcripts or voting history. If any concerns were raised, they are not reflected in the available record; the bill appears focused on technical reporting requirements rather than policy changes that would typically generate disagreement.