State Rep. Tom Stinnett, R-Friendsville, has proposed legislation to ensure Tennessee high schoolers are aware of the state’s protections for parents in crisis to legally surrender their newborn.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State Rep. Tom Stinnett, R-Friendsville, has proposed legislation to ensure Tennessee high schoolers are aware of the state’s protections for parents in crisis to legally surrender their newborn.
House Bill 368 requires Tennessee public and charter schools serving grades 9-12 to educate students about the Safe Haven Law, which allows mothers to safely surrender their newborn without facing penalties for abandonment.
“I believe many young people may not be fully aware of Tennessee’s Safe Haven Law and the protections our state offers parents in crisis,” Stinnett said. “By integrating this education into our curriculum, we can ensure every student has this life-saving resource if ever needed.”
Through the Tennessee Safe Haven Law, mothers are able to surrender their infant within 14 days of birth to staff at any Safe Haven facility or newborn safety device, commonly known as a Safe Haven Baby Box.
The Tennessee Board of Education and Tennessee Department of Education would be required to develop the curriculum, and the legislation encourages a partnership with A Secret Place for Newborns of Tennessee to help create the educational materials.
If approved, the guidelines and educational materials must be distributed to school districts and charter schools before the 2026-27 school year.
House Bill 368 advanced out of the Education Instruction Subcommittee on March 4, and is scheduled to be heard in the Education Committee on March 11.
Tom Stinnett represents House District 20 which includes part of Blount County.