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SB 1268

Children's Services, Dept. of - As introduced, changes from 10 to 15, the number of days of prior written notice the department must provide to a relative caregiver of any additional requirements for receiving payments as a relative caregiver. - Amends TCA Title 37 and Title 71.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026)

SB 1268 increases advance notice for relative caregivers from 10 to 15 days before new payment requirements take effect, giving families more time to adjust to policy changes.

Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Judiciary Committee
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Bill Summary · SB 1268

Legislative bill overview

SB 1268 extends the advance notice period that Tennessee's Department of Children's Services must give to relative caregivers from 10 days to 15 days before implementing new payment requirements or conditions. The bill modifies the procedural requirements in Tennessee's child welfare statutes governing kinship care arrangements.

Why is this important

Relative caregivers—typically grandparents, aunts, uncles, or other family members raising children in state custody—depend on these payments for the child's basic needs. Increasing notice time gives families more opportunity to prepare for policy changes, understand new requirements, and plan financially before compliance deadlines take effect.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal impact: While seemingly minor, extending notice periods across thousands of cases could create administrative delays in implementing departmental policy changes or cost reductions
  • Adequacy of 15 days: Advocates may argue 15 days still provides insufficient time for families with limited resources to understand complex requirements or make necessary adjustments
  • Unequal treatment: Non-relative foster parents may have different notice requirements, raising questions about whether relative caregivers receive equivalent procedural protections

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

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