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HB 1359

Foster Care - As enacted, requires the department of children's services, to the extent not otherwise prohibited by state or federal law, to promulgate rules to implement certain rights for any foster child in the custody of the department or an agency that contracts with the department to place children in foster care. - Amends TCA Title 36; Title 37; Title 49 and Title 71.

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

Tennessee requires child services agencies to establish rules protecting foster children's rights across state custody and contracted placements.

Comp. became Pub. Ch. 387
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Bill Summary · HB 1359

Legislative bill overview

HB 1359 requires Tennessee's Department of Children's Services to establish regulatory rules that protect and codify specific rights for foster children under state custody or in placements contracted by the state. The bill amends multiple sections of Tennessee Code Annotated to implement these protections across child welfare, education, and social services frameworks.

Why is this important

Foster children represent one of the state's most vulnerable populations, often lacking consistent advocacy and experiencing instability. Formalizing rights through administrative rules creates enforceable standards and establishes a framework for accountability, potentially improving outcomes in safety, stability, and well-being for thousands of Tennessee children in the system.

Potential points of contention

  • Unspecified rights language: The bill refers to "certain rights" without detailing which rights are included, leaving the scope and stringency of protections dependent on administrative rule-making rather than legislative specification
  • Implementation costs: Requiring rules across multiple state agencies and contracted providers may impose significant compliance and administrative costs without dedicated funding mechanisms
  • Enforcement mechanisms unclear: The bill does not explicitly establish how violations of foster child rights will be monitored, reported, or remedied, potentially limiting practical impact

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

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