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Senate passes bill to extend juvenile DCS commitments, creates review task force
Summary
The Tennessee Senate passed Senate Bill 18-68 on third reading to clarify juvenile custody extensions and create a Judicial Commitment Review Task Force to study gaps and recommend policy by February 2027; supporters said it fills service gaps, opponents warned it risks expanded incarceration for children.
The Tennessee Senate passed Senate Bill 18-68 on third and final consideration after adopting committee amendments that add guidelines for juvenile custody and create a Judicial Commitment Review Task Force.
Sponsor Senator Wally said the bill "creates a task force to study the issues of children who've been bench ordered into DCS custody" and clarifies factors a judge may consider to extend a six-month commitment when a child assaults staff or requires treatment only available in custody. He described the measure as aimed at finding solutions rather than offering a final solution.
Senator Campbell offered an amendment to limit extensions to a single one-time extension with explicit due process protections; that amendment was moved but ultimately tabled after debate. "This amendment puts clear guardrails around how long a child can remain in DCS custody," Campbell said, describing due process and protections for children with disabilities or cases caused by staffing shortages.
Senator Oliver, who recounted personal experience with children in custody, warned the bill "is not the solution that we need" and said moving more children into custodial settings risks conditioning them for incarceration as adults. Senator Roberts also opposed aspects of the bill, reading committee analysis that—he said—would permit extensions without separate criminal adjudication and voiced concerns about oversight and incentives for private facilities.
The adopted amendment establishes the task force membership to include state directors and commissioners such as the Department of Children's Services and Mental Health, and requires a report with policy recommendations to the governor and general assembly by February 2027. The Senate voted to approve the bill as amended (ayes 22, nays 11). The Senate declared the bill passed and tabled motion to reconsider.
Next steps: The measure will be transmitted consistent with legislative procedures for enrollment and return to the House as required.
