Bill > SB1071

This bill amends Tennessee state law to improve financial processes for child advocacy centers by establishing new requirements for government reimbursement payments. Specifically, the bill mandates that departments administering state funds for child advocacy centers must complete reimbursement payments within 30 days of receiving a request. If a payment is not made within this timeframe, the department must pay a 10% late payment fee to the child advocacy center, which will be drawn from the department's existing budget. Additionally, the bill requires the Department of Children's Services to submit an annual report to the state legislature by January 15th, detailing the timeliness of reimbursements to child advocacy centers. The report must include the number and percentage of reimbursements that missed the 30-day deadline, as well as the total amount of late payment fees incurred. These provisions aim to ensure prompt and consistent financial support for child advocacy centers, which provide critical services for investigating and supporting child abuse cases. The bill will take effect on July 1, 2025.

Health and Social Services

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB1071&ga=114