Senate Bill 2531 establishes a State Family Advisory Board within the Tennessee Department of Correction, aimed at enhancing communication and support for families of incarcerated individuals. The board will consist of nine members, all of whom must be family members of currently incarcerated individuals, appointed by the governor and the speakers of the state legislature. The initial appointments will have staggered terms expiring in 2028, 2029, and 2030, after which all members will serve three-year terms. The board is tasked with fostering communication between the department and families, promoting family reunification, and providing feedback on departmental activities.

Additionally, the bill outlines the operational structure of the board, including meeting requirements, quorum rules, and reimbursement for travel expenses. The board is required to meet at least monthly and hold public informational meetings to gather input from family members and the public. The Department of Correction is mandated to provide necessary staffing to support the board's functions. The bill will take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 4-29-249(a), 4-29-249