House committee votes on custody bill granting judges full discretion in cases

The Children and Family Affairs Subcommittee of the Tennessee State Legislature convened on March 18, 2025, to discuss several key legislative proposals affecting child custody and family law. The meeting focused primarily on House Bill 1131, which aims to establish a starting point of 50/50 custody arrangements in divorce cases.

The discussion began with concerns raised by committee members regarding the implications of mandating a 50/50 custody split. One member expressed apprehension that this approach might not consider the complexities of individual cases, particularly where one parent may not be fit for joint custody. In response, a representative clarified that judges would retain full discretion under the proposed legislation to adjust custody arrangements based on the specifics of each case, including instances of abuse or other detrimental factors.

The committee members emphasized the importance of judicial discretion, noting that judges could modify custody arrangements as necessary to ensure the best interests of the child are prioritized. This reassurance appeared to address some of the concerns raised during the discussion.

Following the deliberations, the committee moved to vote on House Bill 1131 as amended. The bill received strong support, passing with five votes in favor and one against, and was subsequently forwarded to the judiciary pool for further consideration.

The meeting then transitioned to House Bill 1255, known as April's Law, introduced by Representative Alexander. The committee acknowledged the presence of an amendment to this bill, which was properly motioned and seconded for discussion.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the ongoing legislative efforts to refine child custody laws in Tennessee, balancing the need for structured guidelines with the necessity of judicial flexibility to address unique family situations. Further discussions and votes on these bills are anticipated in upcoming sessions.