WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 1109

Children - As introduced, deletes obsolete language regarding initial reports submitted by zero to three court programs and safe baby courts to 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. - Amends TCA Title 36 and Title 37.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Janice Bowling

SB 1109 deletes outdated reporting requirements for Tennessee zero-to-three and safe baby courts, reducing administrative burden on specialized family court programs.

Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Judiciary Committee
#children
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 1109

Legislative bill overview

SB 1109 removes outdated reporting requirements that zero-to-three court programs and safe baby courts previously had to submit to four state agencies and judicial bodies. The bill streamlines administrative requirements by eliminating language from Tennessee Code Annotated Titles 36 and 37 that no longer reflects current practices or needs.

Why is this important

This bill reduces bureaucratic burden on specialized family courts that handle cases involving very young children and families in crisis. By eliminating obsolete reporting mandates, the bill allows these courts to focus resources on their core mission rather than compiling reports that may no longer serve a practical purpose for state oversight or coordination.

Potential points of contention

  • Transparency concerns: Removing reporting requirements could reduce visibility into how zero-to-three and safe baby court programs operate, making oversight more difficult for legislators and the public
  • Data collection gaps: Eliminating reports means loss of aggregate data that might inform policy decisions about early childhood intervention effectiveness
  • Coordination issues: Removing mandatory reports to multiple state agencies could weaken information-sharing between the Department of Children's Services, mental health services, courts, and judicial councils

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

Sign in to ask a question.