SB 2696 Tennessee Senate · 113th Regular Session (2023-2024)

Juvenile Offenders - As enacted, expands the delinquent acts that constitute a violent juvenile sexual offense for purposes of the sexual offender registry to include an adjudication of delinquency for an act that, if committed by an adult, constitutes the criminal offense of rape of a child if the victim is less than four years younger than the offender and the judge, taking into account the facts and circumstances surrounding the delinquent act, orders that the juvenile be required to register as a violent juvenile sexual offender, rather than only if the victim is at least four years younger than the offender. - Amends TCA Title 37; Title 39, Chapter 13 and Title 40, Chapter 39, Part 2.

This law expands the Tennessee sex offender registry to include more juvenile offenders who commit rape of a child. Previously, a juvenile had to be at least four years older than the victim to be required to register, but now judges can order registration even if the age gap is smaller. This change applies to cases where the judge decides, based on the specific facts of the case, that the juvenile poses a risk and should be listed on the registry. The law affects judges who make these determinations and the juveniles whose delinquent acts are evaluated under the new rules. It takes effect on July 1, 2024, for acts committed on or after that date.
Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2024
Committee Review
Mar 2024
Senate Passage
Feb 2024
House Passage
Governor
Introduced Feb 1, 2024 Last action May 13, 2024
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate. No roll call record of that vote is available.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
11
Key actions
3
Committee
2
Mar 19, 2024
Upper · Passed
Recommended for passage with amendment/s, refer to Senate Calendar Committee Ayes 9, Nays 0 PNV 0
upper
Mar 13, 2024
Upper · Passed
Placed on Senate Judiciary Committee calendar for 3/19/2024
upper
Feb 5, 2024
Upper · Passed
Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Judiciary Committee
upper
Feb 1, 2024
Introduced
Introduced, Passed on First Consideration
upper
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Steve Southerland
Steve Southerland
RRepublican
TN
9