Foster Parents

The bill requires the Department of Children's Services in Tennessee to share a copy of any petition to terminate parental rights with a child's foster parent if that foster parent has cared for the child for nine months or more. This must be done within seven days of the petition being filed or served. The aim is to keep foster parents informed about significant legal proceedings affecting the children in their care.

TN SB2165 is a senate bill in the Tennessee 114th General Assembly, sponsored by Ferrell Haile (R), currently “Passed” since May 5, 2026.

We track 9,160 Tennessee bills this session, 129 of them sponsored by Ferrell Haile.

Supporters of the bill would argue that it strengthens the role of foster parents by ensuring they are kept in the loop during critical legal processes regarding the children they care for. This transparency is seen as essential for the well-being of the child and helps foster parents advocate for their needs more effectively.

Critics may contend that the bill places an additional burden on the Department of Children's Services and could complicate legal proceedings by involving foster parents who may not have a legal stake in the case. They might also argue that it risks creating tension between foster parents and biological parents during sensitive situations.

The analysis of SB2165, which pertains to the rights of foster parents in Tennessee, reveals no direct conflicts of interest between the sponsor, Ferrell Haile, and the bill's subject matter. Haile's personal financial interests primarily lie in the pharmaceutical industry as a pharmacist and in real estate through his ownership of Georgian Manor Apartments. While the bill impacts families and housing, there are no specific financial interests that would directly benefit from the provisions outlined in the bill regarding foster care and parental rights. Additionally, his roles in various community organizations do not intersect with the legislative focus of this bill, which centers on child welfare and foster care processes.

Unlike federal analysis based on campaign donations, state analysis examines legislators' personal financial interests — their jobs, businesses, and investments.

Items marked "AI-researched" are generated from public sources but have not been independently verified. Verified data is sourced from official legislature websites and disclosure filings.