Tennessee · 114th Regular Session (2025-2026) · Bill

HB 1845: Children - As introduced, requires, in contested child custody, dependency and neglect, adoption, and guardianship proceedings in which the court has appointed a guardian ad litem, a court to order the child to be evaluated by a qualified expert unless the court determines an examination is unnecessary; requires the expert to submit a report containing certain information; specifies that the submitted report constitutes prima facie evidence of the child's condition and the factors relevant to the child's best interest; specifies various other requirements for the guardian ad litem's consideration of the report and the allocation of the examination costs. - Amends TCA Title 36 and Title 37.

In committee Last action February 17, 2026: Taken off notice for cal in s/c Children and Family Affairs Subcommittee of Judiciary Committee

Plain-language summary

HB 1845 is a bill introduced in the Tennessee House on January 21, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: Children - As introduced, requires, in contested child custody, dependency and neglect, adoption, and guardianship proceedings in which the court has appointed a guardian ad litem, a court to order the child to be evaluated by a qualified expert unless the court determines an examination is unnecessary; requires the expert to submit a report containing certain information; specifies that the submitted report constitutes prima facie evidence of the child's condition and the factors relevant to the child's best interest; specifies various other requirements for the guardian ad litem's consideration of the report and the allocation of the examination costs. - Amends TCA Title 36 and Title 37. Primary sponsor: Ed Butler (Republican). Most recent recorded action (February 17, 2026): Taken off notice for cal in s/c Children and Family Affairs Subcommittee of Judiciary Committee.

Sponsors

Primary sponsor: Ed Butler (Republican).