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SB 2463

Child Custody and Support - As introduced, specifies that a parent's obligation for the support of a child does not continue after the child reaches 19 years of age unless the child is handicapped or disabled. - Amends TCA Title 34, Chapter 1; Title 36, Chapter 5 and Title 37, Chapter 1.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Paul Bailey

Child support ends at 19, unless the child is handicapped; if still in high school at 18, it can continue to graduation but not past 19.

Pub. Ch. 870
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Bill Summary · SB 2463

Summary of Bill SB 2463 / HB 2443 (Tennessee, 114th Legislature)

Overview

  • Title: Child Custody and Support
  • Purpose: Clarify that a parent's obligation to pay child support ends when a child turns 19, with two exceptions: if the child is handicapped or disabled. The change applies to Tennessee Code Annotated Titles 34, 36, and 37.
  • Status: Enacted and signed in April 2026 (effective upon becoming law).

Main Purpose and Intent

  • To specify the end point of a non-minority child support obligation.
  • To provide a clear, uniform rule: support generally ends at age 19 unless the child is handicapped or disabled.
  • To align statutory language across relevant chapters that govern child support obligations and enforcement.

Key Provisions and Changes

Section 1: 34-1-102

  • Replaces the previous language with the following rule:
    • Parents are responsible for child support after the child reaches 18 if the child is enrolled in an accredited high school.
    • The duty continues until the child graduates from high school or the class of which the child was a member when turning 18 graduates, whichever occurs first.
    • Support shall not continue after the child reaches 19 unless the child is handicapped or disabled (as defined in § 36-5-101(k)).

Section 2: 36-5-101

  • Amends the provision governing termination of child support obligations in Title IV-D cases:
    • The Department of Human Services (DHS) records must show that the child has reached 18 and graduated from high school (or the class the child belonged to at age 18 has graduated), or that the obligor provided written documentation of such facts, or that the child has died or married.
    • Importantly, the automatic continuation of support beyond age 19 remains prohibited except for children who are handicapped or disabled (per subsection (k)).

Section 3: Effective Date

  • The act takes effect upon becoming law “the public welfare requiring it.”

Affected Parties

  • Primary: Parents/obligors responsible for child support, especially those with children approaching or recently reaching age 18-19.
  • Secondary: The Tennessee Department of Human Services (DHS) and courts enforcing child support orders (Title IV-D and related enforcement mechanisms).
  • Beneficiaries: Children who are 19 or older, with a protected exception for those who are handicapped or disabled.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

  • For most cases:
    • Child support obligations end at age 19.
    • If the child is enrolled in high school, support continues until graduation or until the class of 18 graduates, whichever occurs first, but still not beyond age 19 unless handicapped/disabled.
  • For cases in which a support order exists under Title IV-D:
    • DHS records and written documentation are used to verify whether the child is 18, has graduated, or the class has graduated, triggering an end to support (absent disability).
    • The act retains the option for the court to continue support beyond minority only in the case of handicapped or disabled children, as defined by ADA standards (per § 36-5-101(k)).
  • No significant fiscal impact anticipated for DHS operations; policy updates can be made with existing resources.

Fiscal Implications

  • Fiscal Note indicates not significant impact.
  • DHS can implement policy changes using current resources; no new personnel expected.

Summary in Plain Language

  • Generally, a parent’s obligation to pay child support ends at age 19.
  • If the child is still in high school at 18, support can continue until graduation (or the class graduates), but never beyond 19 unless the child is handicapped or disabled.
  • DHS and courts use specific milestones (age 18, high school graduation, or class graduation) to terminate support, with disability as the sole exception to the age limit.

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

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