Bill > HB1676

This bill amends various sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated related to children. Key provisions include: 1. Specifying that a juvenile court proceeding may be commenced by the taking of a child into custody or the removal of custody from a parent or legal guardian. 2. Requiring the juvenile court in a dependency and neglect proceeding to determine whether a parent, guardian, relative, or caregiver of the child cannot be excluded as a perpetrator of severe child abuse against the child. 3. Prohibiting a juvenile court from returning a child victim of severe child abuse to the custody of a person who cannot be excluded as the perpetrator unless certain circumstances are met. 4. Defining "severe child abuse" and related terms, including exposure to serious bodily injury or death, commission of certain criminal acts, and the presence of the child in a structure where methamphetamine or certain controlled substances are present and accessible. 5. Making various other changes to the laws governing the treatment of children in the juvenile justice and child welfare systems.

Health and Social Services, Justice

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB1676&ga=113