Tennessee just rolled out several child sexual abuse statutes designed to strengthen protections for children. If you’re a caregiver, educator, mandatory reporter, or just someone who cares, here’s the scoop on what’s new, how it compares with other states, and why you need a guiding hand from Andreozzi + Foote.
1. SB 1241: Expanding Tennessee Child Abuse Protections
What it does:
- Amends Title 36, 37, and 39 of the TN Code to broaden the definition of child abuse, neglect, and endangerment especially protecting younger children under age 8 with felony-level penalties.
- Clarifies parental/custodian liability for knowingly placing young children in dangerous situations.
Why it matters:
- Makes it crystal clear that severe harm to young kids is non-negotiable and punishable.
- Aligns TN more closely with other states that define broader thresholds for serious risk to child welfare.
2. HB 1891: “Protecting Kids From Social Media Act”
What it does:
- Requires platforms like TikTok, X, Instagram and others to age-verify users under 18 and obtain parental consent before account access begins, effective Jan 1 2025.
- Allows parents to set daily limits, privacy settings, and take breaks on behalf of their children.
What other states are doing:
- This is leading-edge legislation; TN is one of the first in the U.S. to mandate parental control over minor social media use.
- Similar proposals exist in states like Alabama, but TN’s is already signed and enforceable.
3. Foster Care Extended to Age 23
What it does:
- TN now extends foster care support services to age 23 for youths who are working or enrolled in education.
Where TN stands vs. others:
- Many states offer support only to age 21. TN joins a progressive cohort aiming to reduce “aging out” dangers (like homelessness and unemployment) in foster youth.
4. Deepfake Laws: Protecting Reputation & Consent
What it does:
- Tennessee now allows civil lawsuits against creators of deepfake sexual content, giving victims recourse for exploitative imagery.
Big picture:
- Only a handful of states are tackling this. TN is ahead in holding bad actors civilly liable—paving the way for broader personal safety laws.
How Tennessee Stacks Up Nationally
| Policy Area | Tennessee (New) | Other States |
|---|---|---|
| Child abuse definitions | Broader, felony class for endangerment of under-8s | Varies some states lack clear age-based triggerslegiscan.com+3findlaw.com+3law.justia.com+3 |
| Social media restrictions | Strict age & parental consent system, implemented 2025 | Few states moving in similar direction |
| Foster youth support | Extends to age 23 with conditions | Many end at 21; some don’t offer extensions |
| Deepfake legal protections | Civil liability for explicit content creators | Very new TN is among early adopters |
Why This Matters—or Maybe Should Matter—to You
- For parents & caregivers: You now have legal tools to protect your kids, on and off screen. But laws only work if you know about them and act on them.
- Schools & mandated reporters: You’re now on notice regarding a broader scope of what must be reported.
- Foster families & older youth: More support means more safety and stability as young adults transition into independence.
- Victims of deepfake abuse: You can pursue civil justice.
Partner With Andreozzi + Foote for Trauma-Informed Civil Guidance
Navigating these new laws isn’t just about understanding rules it’s about trauma-informed implementation. At Andreozzi + Foote, we specialize in:
- Advising schools, agencies, and caregivers on mandatory reporting, duty of care, and compliance
- Defending civil claims or representing victims in incidents related to deepfakes, digital privacy, or child abuse
- Offering transition support in foster cases and youth-on-track programs
Reach out today to protect your child or your institution with civil expertise that prioritizes healing, consent, and safety over just legal compliance.
Call Andreozzi + Foote now—your trauma-informed civil counsel in TN.
1-866-753-5458 CALL TODAY!
