Speaker Beth Harwell (R-Nashville) and Rep. Mike Carter (R-Ooltewah) applauded the unanimous passage of House Bill 1856, which passed Wednesday on the House floor. The bill streamlines the adoption process in Tennessee. Rep. Carter sponsored the bill and shepherded it through the process, and Speaker Harwell was a co-sponsor. They said the update to the law "was desperately needed to serve children and families across the state better."
“I am so grateful to Rep.
Carter for working on this comprehensive legislation, and to my colleagues for passing it unanimously,” said Speaker Harwell. “Tennessee’s adoption laws needed to be modernized. These improvements will simplify the process, and ensure Tennessee children are adopted into loving, supportive homes.”
House Bill 1856 simplifies the surrender form - which was previously very complicated - and updates the language to reflect what the courts have ruled on the issue. The bill clarifies parental abandonment, makes the law consistent with U.S. Supreme Court cases on absentee fathers, and protects biological fathers attempting to assert parental rights. It eliminates the six month prior residency requirement for adoption petitioners, and expands the opportunity for active duty military personnel to use Tennessee as their legal state of residence to adopt children here.
“This bill makes some big changes, but most importantly, it streamlines the process and makes it easier to understand,” said Rep. Carter. “This is important for children, because it allows them to be in a more stable environment in a more timely manner. I appreciate all those who stepped forward and worked on this legislation, and appreciate the House of Representatives for recognizing its importance.”
Having passed the House unanimously, the bill now awaits passage in the Senate. For more information on the legislation, click here.
Beth Harwell serves as the Speaker of the Tennessee House of Representatives, a position to which she was elected by her colleagues. She previously served as the House Commerce Committee Chairman and the House Republican Whip. She represents District 56, which includes part of Davidson County.
Mike Carter represents District 29, which includes part of Hamilton County. Rep. Carter was first elected in 2012, and serves as the House Civil Justice Subcommittee Chairman. He previously served as a judge in the General Session Court of Hamilton County.