Bill > HB2111

This bill establishes the State Families of Incarcerated Individuals Advisory Board within the Department of Correction to assist families of incarcerated individuals. The board will consist of nine members, all of whom must be family members of currently or formerly incarcerated individuals in Tennessee, appointed by the Governor, Speaker of the Senate, and Speaker of the House. The board is designed to be autonomous and will focus on fostering communication between the department and families, strengthening family reunification efforts, building stronger families and communities upon reentry of individuals, and providing feedback to the Commissioner of Correction and legislative committees. The board will meet quarterly, with specific meetings dedicated to public comment and collaboration with department and contractor staff to review policies related to family communication and reentry. Members will serve without compensation but will be reimbursed for travel expenses, and the Department of Correction and any contractors providing correctional services must cooperate with the board. This bill also amends existing law to include the advisory board in a list of state entities and will take effect on July 1, 2026.