TennesseeSB 1989114th General Assembly (2025-2026)Senate

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 36, Chapter 6; Title 37, Chapter 1 and Title 39, Chapter 15, relative to children.

Sponsored By: Sponsor information unavailable

Signed by Governor

Children

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Children gain limits on unruly-child findings

A child’s disagreement with parenting consistent with the child’s biological sex generally cannot support Tennessee’s listed unruly-child court actions. The parent or legal guardian involved can request an unruly-child finding or the specified court outcome based on that disagreement. That exception does not extend to orders under §37-1-174, which cannot be based on the disagreement. Other conduct that legally makes a child unruly remains subject to law.

Parents gain protection in child custody decisions

Tennessee courts cannot count parenting consistent with a child’s biological sex against a parent when deciding custody. This covers both the parent’s actions and intent. Examples include matching pronouns, choosing lawful medical or mental health services supporting that sex, and declining gender-transition services. Courts can still weigh other factors affecting the child’s best interests.

Parents gain protections for sex-based parenting choices

Tennessee protects parents and legal guardians who raise a child consistent with the child’s biological sex. Covered choices include matching pronouns, consenting to lawful medical or mental health services supporting that sex, and declining gender-transition services. Officials cannot base abuse or neglect findings, removal, detention, shelter placement, or temporary state custody on these choices. Courts also cannot use them for the listed protection orders, petitions, assessments, case outcomes, or ending parental rights. Parents, guardians, and other caregivers of children under 18 also do not violate the two named criminal child-abuse laws through these choices. Other abuse or neglect remains subject to law. These protections took effect when the act became law.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Cosponsors

Janice Bowling
Republican • Senate
Ferrell Haile
Republican • Senate
Mark Pody
Republican • Senate
Jessie Seal
Republican • Senate
Stevens
Affiliation unavailable

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 113 • No: 23

House vote • 4/14/2026

FLOOR VOTE: REGULAR CALENDAR PASSAGE ON THIRD CONSIDERATION 4/14/2026

Yes: 79 • No: 16

Senate vote • 3/12/2026

FLOOR VOTE: Third Consideration 3/12/2026

Yes: 27 • No: 6

Senate vote • 3/3/2026

SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE

Yes: 7 • No: 1

Actions Timeline

Effective date(s) 04/27/2026
5/5/2026
Pub. Ch. 846
5/5/2026
Signed by Governor.
4/27/2026Senate
Transmitted to Governor for action.
4/17/2026Senate
Signed by H. Speaker
4/16/2026House
Signed by Senate Speaker
4/15/2026Senate
Enrolled and ready for signatures
4/15/2026Senate
Passed H., Ayes 79, Nays 16, PNV 0
4/14/2026House
Subst. for comp. HB.
4/14/2026House
Rcvd. from S., held on H. desk.
3/16/2026House
Sponsor(s) Added.
3/12/2026Senate
Engrossed; ready for transmission to House
3/12/2026Senate
Passed Senate, Ayes 27, Nays 6
3/12/2026Senate
Placed on Senate Regular Calendar for 3/12/2026
3/10/2026Senate
Recommended for passage, refer to Senate Calendar Committee
3/3/2026Senate
Placed on Senate Judiciary Committee calendar for 3/3/2026
2/25/2026Senate
Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Judiciary Committee
2/5/2026Senate
Introduced, Passed on First Consideration
2/2/2026Senate
Filed for introduction
1/22/2026Senate

Bill Text

Enrolled / Public Chapter
PDF
Fiscal Note
PDF
Introduced
PDF

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