Criminal Procedure - As introduced, prohibits a court from assessing court costs against a defendant in a criminal proceeding if the defendant is found not guilty by a jury or by a judge following a bench trial on all charges for which the defendant was accused, the prosecution is dismissed or a nolle prosequi is entered by the state, or the charges against the defendant are dismissed by the court. - Amends TCA Title 39 and Title 40.

HB 1721 would prevent courts from charging defendants with court costs in Tennessee criminal cases under three specific circumstances: when a defendant is found not guilty (by jury or judge on all charges), when the state dismisses charges or enters a "nolle prosequi" (a formal decision not to prosecute), or when a court dismisses the charges. This directly affects individuals who are acquitted or have their criminal cases dropped without conviction. The bill amends Tennessee law to require courts to waive all court costs in these situations, eliminating financial penalties for cleared defendants. It takes effect on July 1, 2026.