House Bill 501 establishes the "Tennessee Juvenile Justice Review Commission" within the Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 37. The commission is responsible for reviewing juvenile justice cases and critical incidents involving delinquent juveniles under the Department of Children's Services' custody. It aims to provide findings and legislative recommendations to the General Assembly regarding the investigation and adjudication of these cases. The commission will include appointed members such as state officials, legislators, juvenile court judges, and experts in child development and juvenile justice. The bill outlines the commission's operational structure, including meeting requirements, reporting timelines, and confidentiality protocols, while mandating the Department of Children's Services to provide annual case tables for the commission's review.

The bill enhances the commission's framework by allowing it to hire additional staff or consultants as needed and granting immunity from civil and criminal liability to individuals acting in good faith under the commission's directives. It clarifies that the commission's work will not interfere with other legal investigations and requires reporting any discovered criminal law violations to the appropriate authorities. Furthermore, the bill mandates the adoption of a conflict of interest policy for commission members and formally recognizes the commission within the Tennessee Code Annotated by adding it as a new subdivision under Section 4-29-248(a). The act is set to take effect immediately upon becoming law, highlighting its significance for public welfare.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 4-29-248(a), 4-29-248