Children - As enacted, requires certain procedures currently found in the federal Indian Child Welfare Act to be applied by courts in child custody proceedings involving an Indian child. - Amends TCA Title 36 and Title 37.

SB 485 requires Tennessee courts to follow federal Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) procedures in child custody cases involving Indian children. It directly affects Indian children, their families, tribal courts, and Tennessee child welfare agencies by establishing tribal jurisdiction over these cases. The bill mandates that courts transfer custody proceedings for Indian children not living on tribal reservations to tribal courts unless there’s a valid reason not to, and it defines key terms like "Indian child" and "tribal jurisdiction" to align with ICWA standards. This policy change ensures tribal involvement in custody decisions to protect cultural connections and family stability.