SB1644

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 37, relative to foster care.

Introduced·1/14/26

SB1644 amends Tennessee foster care laws to improve child safety and stability.

SB1644 amends Tennessee Code to enhance foster care by limiting placement changes to two per year unless necessary for safety or reunification. It prohibits housing children in vehicles, offices, or hotels, except in emergencies. Children must be placed in kinship care, licensed foster families, or small group homes. The Department of Children's Services must implement a real-time tracking system for foster children and issue an annual report on placements and policy improvements.

Included in complete analysis

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

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Where it stands

Current
Judiciary Committee
Next
Committee decision

Sponsors

D
1
0
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

History

Jan 21

Senate

Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Judiciary Committee

Jan 15

Senate

Introduced, Passed on First Consideration

Jan 14

Senate

Filed for introduction