The 114th General Assembly has officially concluded its session for 2025, and Senator Joey Hensley, a Republican from Hohenwald, is emphasizing several key legislative accomplishments aimed at enhancing the welfare of families throughout Tennessee. The focus of these measures is particularly on child protection, adoption processes, and reforms within the foster care system.
Among the significant legislative successes is the enactment of the Savannah Grace Copeland Act. This new law substantially boosts the funding allocated to child advocacy centers statewide. Specifically, it designates $85,000 for each forensic child interviewer contracted and $127,855 for each center, with future funding increases linked to the growth of state revenue. However, this funding is subject to approval through the general appropriations act.
In a bid to address bullying, lawmakers have introduced a law that empowers courts to suspend the driving privileges of minors for a year if they are found guilty of serious harassment offenses, including instances of cyberbullying. In certain limited situations, restricted licenses may be issued to allow for essential travel.
To enhance family connections, the Department of Children’s Services (DCS) is now permitted to access closed adoption records. This change aims to facilitate the placement of foster children with their biological siblings who have already been adopted, thereby improving kinship placement options and prioritizing the unity of siblings whenever feasible.
Additionally, the adoption process has been made more efficient through new legislation that allows prospective parents to submit a single petition for the adoption of multiple siblings. This reform is designed to lower legal expenses and streamline the overall adoption procedure.
Children currently in foster care are set to benefit from new protections established by a recently passed law. This legislation delineates specific rights for children under DCS custody, which include access to education, healthcare, a safe living environment, and the ability to report any violations without fear of retaliation. Furthermore, all DCS personnel who interact with foster children will be mandated to undergo training regarding these rights.
In a move to support young adults transitioning out of the foster care system, lawmakers have voted to extend the age limit for voluntary extended care from 21 to 23 years. This extension allows eligible individuals to continue receiving assistance for their educational, employment, and medical needs, provided they meet certain participation criteria. Additionally, the state has broadened its fee waiver program for obtaining driver’s licenses and state IDs to encompass youth up to age 23 who have been in foster care, extended care, or juvenile justice programs.
Another important legislative change lowers the age at which adopted individuals can access their own adoption records from