House Bill 2262 amends Tennessee Code Annotated by introducing new requirements for the Department of Children's Services regarding investigations of child care agencies. Specifically, the bill mandates that any investigation involving allegations of child abuse or child sexual abuse must be completed within forty-five (45) days of its commencement, unless good cause is shown for an extension. Notably, this requirement does not apply to investigations concerning allegations against operators or employees of the child care agency themselves.
The bill aims to ensure timely investigations to protect children in care settings, reflecting a commitment to child welfare. The new provisions will take effect on July 1, 2026, emphasizing the importance of prompt action in cases of abuse allegations while allowing for exceptions when justified.