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Subcommittee advances bill to let DCS screening tool cover caregivers
Summary
The Children and Family Affairs Subcommittee voted 6-0 to send House Bill 2262, as amended, to the full Judiciary Committee; the bill expands the screening instrument used by the Department of Children's Services to include caregivers so investigators can choose assessments, services, or other responses when abuse is not severe.
The Children and Family Affairs Subcommittee on March 17, 2026, advanced House Bill 2262 as amended to the full Judiciary Committee by a 6-0 vote. The amendment O15693 was adopted before the committee considered the bill.
The bill sponsor explained that House Bill 2262 "offers an initial screening instrument for the Tennessee Department of Children's Services to use when investigating allegations involving a child's caregiver," and said adding caregivers to the instrument will allow investigators to select an appropriate level of intervention when there is no allegation of assault. The sponsor cited the comptroller's December 2025 performance audit, quoting that in some non-severe cases "assigning training or services to address concerns would have been more appropriate if that choice had been available under the policy."
Supporters said the change would give DCS more discretion to use assessments or service referrals rather than forcing investigators to leave reports unsubstantiated. The clerk recorded a 6-0 vote to move the bill, as amended, to the full Judiciary Committee.
The bill now awaits consideration by the Judiciary Committee for further action.
