Senate Bill 450, known as the "Savannah Grace Copeland Act," aims to enhance funding for child advocacy centers in Tennessee, which have been crucial in supporting at-risk, neglected, and abused children. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 9-4-213, by introducing new subsections that mandate a 75% increase in funding for child advocacy center contracts corresponding to any increase in funding for the Department of Children's Services' child protective services. Additionally, it sets specific base funding amounts for contracts labeled as "child advocacy center" and "forensic child interviewer," establishing a minimum of $127,855.98 and $85,000, respectively.

The act emphasizes the importance of child advocacy centers in providing essential services such as forensic interviews and victim advocacy, especially in light of rising child abuse cases in Tennessee. It stipulates that the increased funding will take effect in the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, and applies to contracts entered into, renewed, or amended after that date. However, it clarifies that this act does not appropriate funds; any funding increases are contingent upon specific appropriations by the general appropriations act.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 9-4-213