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Litson Government Relations Secures Passage of Parental Rights Protection Act in Tennessee General Assembly
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Litson PLLC announced that the “Parental Rights Protection Act” has passed both chambers of the Tennessee General Assembly unanimously and awaits Governor Lee’s signature. The legislation, sponsored by House Judiciary Chairman Andrew Farmer (R-Sevierville) and Senate Judiciary Vice Chairman Paul Rose (R-Covington), establishes expedited hearing requirements and evidentiary standards when bond conditions affect parental custody or visitation rights.
The bill originated from Litson’s representation of a Giles County family whose bond conditions restricted contact with minor children unrelated to their criminal case. In addition to fighting these conditions in court, Litson Government Relations identified a legislative solution and worked with lawmakers to draft and advance the bill.
“This is what effective government relations looks like,” said Kelley Hess, Litson Government Relations Director. “Our client faced a gap in Tennessee’s legal framework that couldn’t be solved through traditional litigation. We brought a workable solution to legislators who recognized the same problem in their own experience, and together we fixed it.”
The legislation amends Tennessee Code § 36-8-103 to require an expedited hearing within 15 calendar days when bond conditions affect parental contact, custody, or visitation. To impose such a condition of bond, the government must demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence that a threat of harm exists, less restrictive alternatives are insufficient, and the restriction serves the child’s best interests. The bill establishes a presumption that parental contact is in the best interests of the child.
“When the legal system doesn’t have an answer, sometimes the answer is changing the system,” said Alicia van Huizen-Shinska, an attorney at Litson PLLC. “This bill doesn’t tie judges’ hands. It creates necessary guardrails to ensure families aren’t separated without meaningful review.”
Chairman Farmer, a criminal defense attorney, took primary sponsorship after recognizing the issue from his own practice. The legislation takes effect upon the governor’s signature.





