A resolution requesting the Davidson County Delegation to the Tennessee General Assembly to consider enacting legislation that would implement a Child Abuse and Neglect Registry in Tennessee.

WHEREAS, the Tennessee Sexual Offender Registration and Monitoring Act requires convicted sexual offenders to complete a Tennessee Bureau of Investigation registration form, which information is to be made available for access by the public; and

WHEREAS, the Tennessee Sex Offender Registry ensures that citizens of Tennessee have the opportunity to obtain information about convicted sex offenders who live in their communities in order to protect themselves and their children; and

WHEREAS, Tennessee law currently does not require that persons convicted of child abuse or neglect register with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation; and

WHEREAS, The National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System (NCANDS) reported an estimated 1,400 child fatalities in 2002 resulting from abuse or neglect, or where abuse or neglect were contributing factors; and

WHEREAS, recent studies in Colorado and North Carolina have estimated that as many as fifty to sixty percent of deaths resulting from abuse or neglect are not recorded; and

WHEREAS, the State of Missouri has enacted a law requiring a central registry of persons convicted of child abuse or neglect that is similar in nature to a sexual offender registry; and

WHEREAS, in an effort to protect vulnerable children from child abuse and neglect, it is fitting and proper that the Tennessee General Assembly take the action necessary to implement a child abuse and neglect registry in Tennessee.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as requesting the Davidson County Delegation to the Tennessee General Assembly to consider enacting legislation that would implement a Child Abuse and Neglect Registry in Tennessee.

Section 2. That the Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a copy of this Resolution by U.S. mail or electronic mail to each member of the Davidson County Delegation to the Tennessee General Assembly.

Section 3. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Billy Walls