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HB 1355

Children - As enacted, specifies that a biological father or alleged biological father who makes token financial support to or for the benefit of a child or the child's mother during the pregnancy or when the mother had physical custody of the child is not a putative father; makes various other changes regarding final orders of adoption. - Amends TCA Title 36 and Title 63.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Mary Littleton

Tennessee law now treats minimal financial support during pregnancy or early maternal custody as insufficient to establish putative father status in adoption proceedings.

Comp. became Pub. Ch. 390
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Bill Summary · HB 1355

Legislative bill overview

HB 1355 amends Tennessee adoption and paternity law to clarify that providing only minimal financial support during pregnancy or early custody does not establish a man as a "putative father" with legal rights in adoption proceedings. The bill makes additional modifications to Tennessee's adoption finalization processes under state law.

Why is this important

This legislation affects adoption proceedings by narrowing the legal definition of who can challenge or delay adoptions based on paternity claims. It potentially streamlines adoptions when biological fathers have provided minimal support, but it also raises questions about which fathers retain rights to know about or participate in adoption decisions involving their biological children.

Potential points of contention

  • Defining "token" support: The bill doesn't specify a monetary threshold or time period, leaving interpretation to courts and potentially creating inconsistent application across cases
  • Balancing father's rights vs. adoption finality: Advocates for parental rights may argue the law unfairly strips fathers of legal standing, while adoption advocates argue it prevents frivolous claims from delaying proceedings
  • Pregnancy vs. post-birth distinction: The language distinguishing between pregnancy support and support after "mother had physical custody" could create gaps in coverage and unintended consequences for custody disputes

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

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