House Bill 1572 and Senate Bill 1513 propose amendments to the Tennessee Code Annotated concerning the Department of Children's Services. The bills delete subdivision (18) from Section 4-29-247(a) and insert a new subdivision in Section 4-29-250(a) that formally recognizes the Department of Children's Services, established by Sections 4-3-101 and 37-5-101. Additionally, the Department is required to report to the education, health, and general welfare joint evaluation committee by December 31, 2026, regarding its progress on the findings from the December 2025 performance audit report.

An amendment to Senate Bill 1513 replaces the original insertion in Section 4-29-250(a) with a new subdivision in Section 4-29-249(a) that also recognizes the Department of Children's Services. This legislative action aims to enhance oversight and accountability of the Department, ensuring it addresses the issues highlighted in the performance audit. The act will take effect upon becoming law, emphasizing the importance of public welfare in its implementation.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 4-29-247(a), 4-29-247, 4-29-250(a), 4-29-250
Amended with SA0846 -- 04/20/2026: 4-29-247(a), 4-29-247, 4-29-250(a), 4-29-250, 4-29-249(a), 4-29-249