# Tenn. Code Ann. § 36-8-102: Chapter definitions

> Tennessee · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T36_C8_S36-8-102

## Section

- **Citation:** Tenn. Code Ann. § 36-8-102
- **Heading:** Chapter definitions
- **Jurisdiction:** Tennessee
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** TN Code / Title 36 / Chapter 8 / Section 36-8-102

## Text

As used in this chapter: (1) "Biometric data": (A) Means data generated by automatic measurements of an individual's biological characteristics, such as a fingerprint, voiceprint, eye retina or iris, or other unique biological pattern or characteristic, that is used to identify a specific individual; (B) Does not include a physical or digital photograph, a video or audio recording, or data generated from the recording, or information collected, used, or stored for healthcare treatment, payment, or operations under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) ( 42 U.S.C. § 1320d et seq.); and (C) Does not include data or information collected, used, or stored for law enforcement purposes; (2) "Child" means an unemancipated, unmarried individual who has not attained eighteen (18) years of age; (3) "Decision-making authority" means the power granted by the state to a nonparent to make important decisions regarding a child, including decisions regarding the child's education, religious training, health care, extracurricular activities, and travel; (4) "Government entity" means any branch, department, agency, commission, or instrumentality of state government, any official or other person acting under color of state law, or any political subdivision of the state; and (5) "Parent" means a biological, legal, or adoptive parent or an individual who has been granted decision-making authority over the child under state law. Added by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1061,s 1, eff. 7/1/2024.
As used in this chapter:
(1) "Biometric data": (A) Means data generated by automatic measurements of an individual's biological characteristics, such as a fingerprint, voiceprint, eye retina or iris, or other unique biological pattern or characteristic, that is used to identify a specific individual; (B) Does not include a physical or digital photograph, a video or audio recording, or data generated from the recording, or information collected, used, or stored for healthcare treatment, payment, or operations under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) ( 42 U.S.C. § 1320d et seq.); and (C) Does not include data or information collected, used, or stored for law enforcement purposes;
(A) Means data generated by automatic measurements of an individual's biological characteristics, such as a fingerprint, voiceprint, eye retina or iris, or other unique biological pattern or characteristic, that is used to identify a specific individual;
(B) Does not include a physical or digital photograph, a video or audio recording, or data generated from the recording, or information collected, used, or stored for healthcare treatment, payment, or operations under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) ( 42 U.S.C. § 1320d et seq.); and
(C) Does not include data or information collected, used, or stored for law enforcement purposes;
(2) "Child" means an unemancipated, unmarried individual who has not attained eighteen (18) years of age;
(3) "Decision-making authority" means the power granted by the state to a nonparent to make important decisions regarding a child, including decisions regarding the child's education, religious training, health care, extracurricular activities, and travel;
(4) "Government entity" means any branch, department, agency, commission, or instrumentality of state government, any official or other person acting under color of state law, or any political subdivision of the state; and
(5) "Parent" means a biological, legal, or adoptive parent or an individual who has been granted decision-making authority over the child under state law.
Added by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1061,s 1, eff. 7/1/2024.

## Nearby sections

- [Tenn. Code Ann. § 36-8-101 Short title](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T36_C8_S36-8-101.md)
- [Tenn. Code Ann. § 36-8-102 Chapter definitions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T36_C8_S36-8-102.md)
- [Tenn. Code Ann. § 36-8-103 Parents' fundamental rights - Exceptions and exclusions - Mandatory disclosure to parents - Right of action against government entities](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T36_C8_S36-8-103.md)
- [Tenn. Code Ann. § 36-8-104 Construction of chapter](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T36_C8_S36-8-104.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T36_C8_S36-8-102. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.