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HB 590

Child Custody and Support - As enacted, requires a court to consider the extent to which a parenting schedule provides each parent a meaningful opportunity to participate in the child's life, consistent with the child's best interest, in addition to the other relevant factors, when making a child custody determination. - Amends TCA Title 36 and Title 37.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Fred Atchley

Tennessee increases non-custodial parents' guaranteed remote contact with children from twice to three times weekly via phone or video when technology available.

Comp. SB subst.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 590

Legislative bill overview

HB 590 increases the minimum frequency of remote contact rights for non-custodial parents in Tennessee from two to three times per week via telephone or video conference. The bill modifies Tennessee Code Annotated sections related to child custody and support arrangements.

Why is this important

This change affects thousands of Tennessee custody arrangements by expanding non-custodial parents' legally guaranteed access to their children. The modification balances parental relationship maintenance with practical considerations about child welfare and custodial arrangements.

Potential points of contention

  • Enforcement complexity: Implementation may create disputes if custodial parents claim unavailable technology or scheduling conflicts, requiring court intervention
  • Age appropriateness concerns: Three weekly calls may not suit very young children or infants, potentially necessitating age-based exceptions
  • Custody arrangement variation: The blanket requirement may not fit diverse family situations, such as cases involving domestic violence, substance abuse, or significant geographic distance between parents

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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