Senate Bill 450, also 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. Specifically, it sets a base funding level of $127,855.98 for child advocacy center contracts and $85,000 for forensic child interviewer contracts, effective from the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026.

The bill emphasizes the importance of child advocacy centers in providing essential services such as forensic interviews, victim advocacy, and mental health support, especially in light of rising child abuse cases in Tennessee. It stipulates that funds for these centers must be allocated according to the new funding formula, although it clarifies that the act itself does not appropriate funds unless specifically allocated by the general appropriations act. The provisions of this act will take effect on July 1, 2025, and will apply to contracts entered into, renewed, or amended from that date onward.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 9-4-213