Amends TCA Title 55, Chapter 4, Part 2 and Section 55-4-350.

Generally under present law, the funds produced from the sale of Choose Life new specialty earmarked license plates are allocated to New Life Resources. Present law describes New Life Resources as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization incorporated in 1995 to provide resources for women and families facing difficult or unexpected pregnancies. Present law specifies that the funds must be used exclusively for counseling and financial assistance, including food, clothing, and medical assistance for pregnant women in this state; coordinating statewide awareness campaigns and a toll-free helpline; and reimbursing social service providers who prepare adoptions throughout the state for services and programs targeting at-risk women and families. Present law also requires that the plates be designed in consultation with a representative of New Life Resources.<br /> <br /> This bill removes the requirement that the plates be designed in consultation with a representative of New Life Resources and revises the allocation described above to instead provide that the funds produced from the sale of the plates will be deposited in a special fund in the general fund to be distributed by the commissioner of health in equal amounts within 30 days of allocation to nonprofit agencies that provide adoption social services and programs targeting Tennessee's at-risk women and families. This bill specifies that the funds must be used by the nonprofit agencies in providing direct assistance to clients.<br /> <br /> This bill establishes a general fund reserve to be allocated by the general appropriations act, which will be known as the adoption social services fund. Moneys from the fund may be expended to fund activities authorized by this bill. <br /> <br />