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HB 2078

Courts - As enacted, enacts the "Parental Rights Protection Act." - Amends TCA Title 36, Chapter 8 and Title 40, Chapter 11.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Andrew Farmer

Tennessee bill requiring expedited court hearings to review whether bail conditions restricting parental contact with minor children comply with family rights protections.

Comp. became Pub. Ch. 732
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Bill Summary · HB 2078

Legislative bill overview

HB 2078, the "Parental Rights Protection Act," requires Tennessee courts to hold expedited hearings when bond conditions (conditions of release for defendants awaiting trial) restrict a person's parental contact, custody, or visitation rights with minor children. The bill ensures such restrictions comply with the Families' Rights and Responsibilities Act by amending court procedures in Tennessee's criminal and family law codes.

Why is this important

Bond conditions that limit parental access can significantly disrupt family relationships and child welfare during the pretrial period, sometimes lasting months or years. This bill attempts to balance public safety concerns (the purpose of bail conditions) with parental rights by requiring courts to more carefully scrutinize and expedite review of family-affecting restrictions, potentially reducing collateral harm to children whose parents face criminal charges.

Potential points of contention

  • Public safety vs. parental rights: Prosecutors may argue that expedited hearings and strict scrutiny of parental restrictions could compromise bail conditions designed to protect victims or prevent flight risks, particularly in cases involving domestic violence or child endangerment
  • Judicial efficiency: Expedited hearing requirements add procedural demands on already-strained court systems and may create delays in other cases
  • Scope ambiguity: The bill's language about what constitutes a bond condition "affecting" parental rights is unclear—unclear whether it applies only to direct restrictions on contact or broader conditions (like travel restrictions, electronic monitoring locations, or curfews) that indirectly limit parental involvement

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

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