HB 2128 Tennessee House · 114th Regular Session (2025-2026)

Children - As introduced, establishes that children have equal protection under the law and possess fundamental rights to safety, protection from harm, and consideration of their best interests as the paramount concern in all legal proceedings, governmental actions, and policy decisions affecting their welfare. - Amends TCA Title 36 and Title 37.

HB 2128 establishes fundamental legal rights for children in Tennessee, directly affecting children involved in legal proceedings or government decisions about their welfare. The bill explicitly states that children have equal protection under the law, the right to safety and protection from harm, and the "best interests of the child" as the paramount concern for courts and officials. Key provisions require courts to consider children’s views in age-appropriate ways, provide legal representation for children in major proceedings, and justify placements against child welfare recommendations. It also mandates courts to evaluate safety evidence using specific standards and prohibits placing children with individuals posing known risks. The bill amends Tennessee Code Sections 36 and 37 to implement these changes.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 4, 2026 Last action Mar 10, 2026
Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
6
Key actions
2
Committee
4
Mar 10, 2026
Lower · Passed
Taken off notice for cal in s/c Children and Family Affairs Subcommittee of Judiciary Committee
lower
Mar 4, 2026
Lower · Passed
Placed on s/c cal Children and Family Affairs Subcommittee for 3/10/2026
lower
Feb 5, 2026
Committee
P2C, ref. to Judiciary Committee
lower
Feb 5, 2026
Committee
Assigned to s/c Children and Family Affairs Subcommittee
lower
Feb 4, 2026
Introduced
Intro., P1C.
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Becky Jo Alexander
Becky Jo Alexander
RRepublican
TN
7