Senate Bill 326, also known as House Bill 354, aims to enhance the protection of elderly and vulnerable adults in Tennessee by amending various sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated. One significant change includes the addition of a requirement for the department to prominently advertise a toll-free telephone service on its website, which is intended to facilitate reporting and assistance for cases of abuse.

Additionally, the bill modifies the process for handling reports of suspected elder financial exploitation. It removes the mandatory coordination with the district attorney general and other agencies upon receiving such reports, allowing the bureau the discretion to investigate the matter when appropriate. This change is intended to streamline the response to reports of exploitation while still enabling collaboration with law enforcement and protective services as needed. The bill is set to take effect upon becoming law.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 71-6-122
Amended with HA0967 -- 04/08/2026: 71-6-122, 38-6-132(b), 38-6-132