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

SB 1989: Children - As enacted, specifies that a parent's or legal guardian's action of raising, guiding, or instructing the parent's or legal guardian's child in a manner consistent with the child's biological sex is not a basis for certain findings or actions by the court, does not constitute the criminal offense of child abuse, child neglect, or child endangerment, and must not be considered as a negative factor by a court in determining a custody arrangement in the best interest of the child. - Amends TCA Title 36, Chapter 6; Title 37, Chapter 1 and Title 39, Chapter 15.

Enacted Last action May 5, 2026: Pub. Ch. 846

Plain-language summary

SB 1989 is a bill introduced in the Tennessee Senate on January 22, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: Children - As enacted, specifies that a parent's or legal guardian's action of raising, guiding, or instructing the parent's or legal guardian's child in a manner consistent with the child's biological sex is not a basis for certain findings or actions by the court, does not constitute the criminal offense of child abuse, child neglect, or child endangerment, and must not be considered as a negative factor by a court in determining a custody arrangement in the best interest of the child. - Amends TCA Title 36, Chapter 6; Title 37, Chapter 1 and Title 39, Chapter 15. Primary sponsor: Paul Rose (Republican). Most recent recorded action (May 5, 2026): Pub. Ch. 846.

Sponsors

Primary sponsor: Paul Rose (Republican).