Senate Bill 374 mandates the Department of Children's Services to conduct a study on the necessity of constructing a new juvenile detention facility in the western grand division of Tennessee. This facility aims to address the detention and treatment needs of juveniles in that region. The department is required to present its findings and recommendations to the Senate Judiciary Committee and the House Committee overseeing criminal justice by January 1, 2026.
The bill emphasizes the importance of assessing the current juvenile detention infrastructure and ensuring that it meets the needs of the youth in the western grand division. It is designed to enhance the state's ability to provide appropriate care and rehabilitation for juveniles, reflecting a commitment to improving juvenile justice in Tennessee. The act will take effect immediately upon becoming law, prioritizing public welfare.