House Bill 2526, also known as Senate Bill 1868, amends various sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated related to children, particularly focusing on those who exhibit violent behavior or are in need of heightened supervision. A new definition is introduced for "child in need of heightened supervision," which includes children who have threatened or exhibited violent behavior or are deemed incompetent to be adjudicated delinquent but have shown behaviors consistent with violent offenses. The bill also expands the criteria for determining probable cause for heightened supervision and modifies existing language to include this new category in various sections, such as those concerning delinquency and custody.

Additionally, the bill establishes a juvenile commitment review task force within the Department of Children's Services to address systemic issues and service gaps for children who are dependent and neglected, have pending delinquency allegations, or have exhibited violent behaviors. The task force will consist of various state department representatives and stakeholders, tasked with reviewing data, developing recommendations for improved care and case management, and identifying necessary statutory changes. The task force is required to submit a final report by February 1, 2027, detailing its findings and recommendations. The bill's provisions will take effect on July 1, 2026, with the task force's establishment effective immediately upon becoming law.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 37-1-102(b), 37-1-102, 37-1-114(c), 37-1-114, 37-1-116(a), 37-1-116, 37-1-116(d), 37-1-116(k)(1), 37-1-130(b), 37-1-130, 37-1-137(b)(1), 37-1-137
Amended with SA0640 -- 04/15/2026: 37-1-102(b), 37-1-102, 37-1-114(c), 37-1-114, 37-1-116(a), 37-1-116, 37-1-116(d), 37-1-116(k)(1), 37-1-130(b), 37-1-130, 37-1-137(b)(1), 37-1-137, 37-1-131(a)(2)(A)(v)(c)(2), 37-1-131, 37-1-131(a)(4)(B)(iii)(b), 37-1-131(a)(4), 37-1-137(f)(3)(B)