The Challenge We Must Address
Tennessee urgently needs more child care options — and availability of space can be a barrier — yet usable space across communities often sits empty.
Employers, churches, nonprofits, and community organizations have classrooms and buildings that could host licensed child care programs. Providers are eager to expand, and employers want to support care for their workforce.
But fear of civil liability stops these partnerships before they begin.
As a result:
- Space that could house child care remains unused
- Providers can’t expand to meet demand
- Families struggle to find care
Legal concerns are blocking practical, low-cost solutions — even when providers are licensed and insured.
The Solution: A Targeted Liability Safe Harbor
SB 1683 / HB 1965 creates a narrow civil liability safe harbor for organizations that host or support licensed child care providers without operating the care themselves.
The bill:
- Keeps all licensing and safety standards intact
- Places responsibility with the licensed provider
- Protects hosts unless gross negligence or misconduct occurs
What You Can Do: Be a loud voice for little kids and families!
Your voice matters — and legislators need to hear directly from parents, employers, educators, and community leaders across Tennessee.
Take a moment now to email your state legislators and urge them to support clearing Tennessee’s child care waitlist by filling out the form below (2-3 minutes).
Before sending, consider adding one or two sentences about:
- Your experience as a parent, employer, provider, or community member
- How child care affordability affects your family, workplace, or community
Personal stories — even brief ones — make a powerful impact.
