SB0485

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 36 and Title 37, relative to Indian child welfare.

Complete·4/24/26

Tennessee SB0485 amends laws to protect Indian child welfare, ensuring tribal jurisdiction and preferences in custody and adoption proceedings.

Tennessee SB0485 amends the state's laws to establish minimum standards for Indian child welfare, emphasizing tribal jurisdiction and preferences in custody and adoption proceedings. The bill mandates that Indian tribes have exclusive jurisdiction over custody proceedings involving Indian children residing within their reservations. It requires state courts to transfer such cases to tribal courts unless objected by either parent.

Included in complete analysis

  • Overview
  • Core Provisions
  • Implementation
  • Impact
  • Legal Framework
  • Critical Issues

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Sponsors

0
4
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Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

Roll Call Votes

94 Yea

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0 Nay

History

Apr 24

Pub. Ch. 682

Apr 24

Effective date(s) 05/26/2026

Apr 16

Senate

Signed by Governor.