Senate Bill 2531, also known as House Bill 2111, aims to create the "State Families of Incarcerated Individuals Advisory Board" within the Tennessee Department of Correction. This board will consist of nine members, all of whom must be family members of individuals currently or formerly incarcerated in the state. Members will be appointed by the governor, the speaker of the senate, and the speaker of the house of representatives, with each appointing authority selecting one member from each grand division of the state. The board's primary objectives are to enhance communication between the department and family members, promote family reunification efforts, and provide feedback on departmental activities.

The bill details the board's structure, including staggered initial appointment terms expiring on January 1 of 2028, 2029, and 2030, after which members will serve three-year terms. It outlines procedures for filling vacancies, the authority to remove members for cause, and the election of a chairperson. The board is required to meet quarterly, with the first three meetings allowing public comments, and it will prepare a report of recommendations following its fourth meeting. Additionally, all votes must be public, and while members will not receive compensation, they will be reimbursed for travel expenses. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 4-29-249(a), 4-29-249
Amended with HA1203 -- 04/20/2026: 4-29-249(a), 4-29-249
Amended with HA1203, SA1097 -- 04/23/2026: 4-29-249(a), 4-29-249