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SB 2668

Education - As introduced, requires each elementary and secondary school to post two, rather than one, signs that contain the toll-free telephone number operated by the department of children's services to receive reports of child abuse or neglect. in clearly visible locations in public areas of the school that are readily accessible to students. - Amends TCA Title 49.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Raumesh Akbari

The bill requires Tennessee schools to post two signs with the DCS child abuse reporting number in two high-traffic areas, increasing reporting visibility.

Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Education Committee
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Bill Summary · SB 2668

Summary of Bill: SB 2668 / HB 2297 (Tennessee, 114th Legislature)

Title

Education - As introduced, requires each elementary and secondary school to post two, rather than one, signs that contain the toll-free telephone number operated by the Department of Children's Services (DCS) to receive reports of child abuse or neglect. Amends TCA Title 49.

Purpose and Intent

  • The bill aims to increase visibility and accessibility of the DCS toll-free reporting number within K-12 school settings.
  • By mandating two signs in high-traffic, clearly visible public areas readily accessible to students, the measure seeks to improve awareness of reporting mechanisms for child abuse or neglect.

Key Provisions

  • Amendment to TCA § 49-6-304(c): Replaces current requirement of posting one sign with the requirement to post two signs.
    • Language change: “one (1) high-traffic, highly and clearly visible public area that is” becomes “two (2) high-traffic, highly and clearly visible public areas that are”.
  • Location and visibility: Signs must be placed in high-traffic, clearly visible public areas within the school that are readily accessible to and frequently used by students.
  • Effective date: The act takes effect upon becoming law, as public welfare requiring it.

Who Is Affected

  • Primary: Public elementary and secondary schools in Tennessee.
  • Indirectly: Students, school staff, and administrators, who would have increased access to the DCS toll-free reporting number.

Fiscal Impact

  • The fiscal note states a not significant impact on local governments and school districts.
  • Assumptions:
    • Schools will print and post two signs using standard printing methods (regular ink on regular paper).
    • No additional expenditure for specialized signage is anticipated.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Status: Passed on Second Consideration (Senate), then referred to Senate Education Committee (as of the latest action history).
  • Intro/Pass Milestones:
    • Introduced and passed First Consideration: February 2, 2026.
    • Passed Second Consideration and referred to Senate Education Committee: February 5, 2026.
  • Sponsors: Primary sponsor in Senate is Akbari; co-sponsor in House/Senate: Raumesh Akbari.

Practical Implications

  • Schools will need to ensure two DCS reporting-number signs are posted in eligible areas.
  • Compliance involves using standard production methods for the signs, without requiring new procurement or specialized materials.
  • The policy reinforces availability of child-abuse reporting channels for students and staff within school environments.

Notes

  • The bill is a straightforward expansion of an existing poster requirement, with limited fiscal impact and a targeted administrative obligation for Tennessee schools.

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

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