The Children and Family Affairs Subcommittee of the Tennessee State Legislature convened on March 25, 2025, to discuss several key legislative bills aimed at addressing childhood hunger and domestic violence.

The meeting began with the introduction of House Bill 1357, which focuses on childhood hunger. The bill proposes the establishment of a task force under the Department of Human Services. This task force will develop a strategic action plan to combat childhood hunger in Tennessee. It is scheduled to hold its first meeting in July and will convene quarterly, with a report due to the General Assembly by July 2026. The committee unanimously voted to advance this bill to the full judiciary for further consideration.

Next, the committee reviewed House Bill 1360, which seeks to expand the definition of abuse to include situations where individuals aged 18 or older witness domestic violence against a child or family member. This bill outlines conditions for the reunification of children with parents from whom they have been removed due to abuse. It emphasizes the need for parents to demonstrate progress on their permanency plans and to complete necessary services, including mental health counseling that addresses domestic violence. The committee also voted in favor of this bill, sending it to the full judiciary.

As the meeting concluded, the chair expressed gratitude to the committee members for their support and commitment to addressing the needs of children and families in Tennessee. The discussions highlighted the legislature's ongoing efforts to create safer environments for children and to tackle pressing issues such as hunger and domestic violence.