SB 2365 Tennessee Senate · 114th Regular Session (2025-2026)

Courts - As enacted, enacts the "Parental Rights Protection Act." - Amends TCA Title 36, Chapter 8 and Title 40, Chapter 11.

SB 2365, the "Parental Rights Protection Act," requires courts to hold an expedited hearing within 15 days if a bond condition restricts a defendant's parental contact, custody, or visitation with a minor child (excluding cases where the child is a victim). The government must prove, with clear evidence, that a present threat of harm exists, less restrictive alternatives won't prevent harm, and the restriction serves the child's best interests. The bill presumes parental contact is in the child's best interest, shifting the burden to the government to justify restrictions. This directly affects defendants in criminal cases, courts issuing bond conditions, and children whose custody or visitation rights are restricted.
Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2026
Committee Review
Feb 2026
Senate Passage
Apr 2026
House Passage
Apr 2026
Signed into Law
Apr 2026
Introduced Feb 2, 2026 Signed Apr 16, 2026
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
21
Key actions
9
Committee
3
Amendments
1
Apr 16, 2026
Signed into law
Signed by Governor.
lower
Apr 6, 2026
Upper · Passed
Signed by Senate Speaker
upper
Apr 6, 2026
Lower · Passed
Signed by H. Speaker
lower
Apr 2, 2026
Upper · Passed
Concurred, Ayes 30, Nays 0 (Amendment 1 - HA0761)
upper
Mar 30, 2026
Lower · Passed
H. adopted am. (Amendment 1 - HA0761)
lower
Mar 30, 2026
Lower · Passed
Passed H., as am., Ayes 92, Nays 0, PNV 0
lower
Mar 2, 2026
Upper · Passed
Passed Senate, Ayes 32, Nays 0
upper
Feb 24, 2026
Lower · Passed
Recommended for passage, refer to Senate Calendar Committee
lower
Feb 18, 2026
Lower · Passed
Placed on Senate Judiciary Committee calendar for 2/24/2026
lower
Feb 5, 2026
Committee
Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Judiciary Committee
upper
Feb 2, 2026
Introduced
Introduced, Passed on First Consideration
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Paul Rose
Paul Rose
RRepublican
TN
32