With the Tennessee General Assembly in the final days of the session, TBA's government relations team looks at the TBA bills that advanced during the 2026 session. All three measures passed the House and Senate. They will take effect on July 1.

HB2350/SB2165, drafted by the TBA Adoption Law Section and sponsored by Rep. Mary Littleton, R-Dickson, and Sen. Ferrell Haile, R-Gallatin, ensures that foster parents who have cared for a child for nine or more consecutive months receive from the Department of Children Services (DCS) a copy of any petition to terminate parental rights and access to relevant background and health information. The bill addresses situations in which foster parents lacked access to court filings and critical information and ensures they can make informed decisions with legal guidance. The legislation passed both chambers and was sent to Gov. Bill Lee on April 14. See the legislative history.

HB2429/SB2324, drafted by the TBA Family Law Section and sponsored by Rep. Andy Farmer, R- Sevierville, and Sen. Ferrell Haile, R-Gallatin, clarifies that the Families’ Rights and Responsibilities Act does not override other legal authority, authorizes juvenile courts to award attorney fees in child related disputes, permits temporary suspension of child support during dependency and neglect proceedings, and requires parent education in appropriate cases, including those involving unmarried parents. The bill has been signed by the governor. See the legislative history.

HB2451/SB2184, drafted by the TBA Probate Study Group and sponsored by Rep. Johnny Garrett, R- Goodlettsville, and Sen. John Stevens, R-Huntingdon, clarifies that the Tennessee Uniform Partition of Heirs Property Act does not apply when property must be brought into a decedent’s estate to pay expenses, reinforcing that probate administration remains governed by probate law. The legislation also updates the elective share statute and makes conservatorship petition requirements mandatory. The bill has been signed by the governor. See the legislative history.