SJR 25 Tennessee Senate · 114th Regular Session (2025-2026)

Constitutional Amendments - Proposes an amendment to Article I, Section 15 of the Constitution of Tennessee to remove the right to bail for the following offenses when the proof is evident or the presumption great: act of terrorism; second degree murder; aggravated rape of a child; aggravated rape; grave torture; and any other offense, as of November 3, 2026, for which a defendant, if convicted, could not be released prior to the expiration of at least 85 percent of the entire sentence imposed. -

Tennessee Senate Joint Resolution 25 proposes a constitutional amendment that would remove the right to bail for specific serious offenses when evidence is strong. It targets charges including terrorism, second-degree murder, aggravated rape of a child, aggravated rape, grave torture, and any other offense where a conviction would require serving at least 85% of the sentence before release. Judges would be required to document their bail decisions for these cases, and the amendment would take effect on November 3, 2026. The proposal must be approved by voters in the 2026 general election to become part of Tennessee's constitution.
Bill status passed both 4 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2025
Committee Review
Feb 2025
Senate Passage
Apr 2025
House Passage
Apr 2025
Governor
Introduced Jan 16, 2025 Last action Apr 30, 2025
Floor votes · Senate Mar 17, 2025 · House Apr 21, 2025

How they voted

286
Passed · 1 other
Total votes 35
Mar 17, 2025
D Democratic6
1 Yea 5 Nay
83% Nay
R Republican29
27 Yea 1 Nay 1
93% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
30
Key actions
10
Committee
5
Apr 30, 2025
Lower · Passed
Signed by H. Speaker
lower
Apr 29, 2025
Upper · Passed
Signed by Senate Speaker
upper
Apr 21, 2025
Lower · Passed
Concurred, Ayes 84, Nays 10, PNV 1
lower
Mar 17, 2025
Upper · Passed
Adopted, Ayes 23, Nays 6, PNV 1
upper
Mar 10, 2025
Lower · Passed
Passed Second Reading
lower
Mar 6, 2025
Lower · Passed
Passed First Reading
lower
Feb 25, 2025
Lower · Passed
Recommended for adoption by Senate Judiciary Committee, refer Senate Calendar Committee
lower
Feb 19, 2025
Lower · Passed
Placed on Senate Judiciary Committee calendar for 2/25/2025
lower
Feb 18, 2025
Lower · Passed
Action deferred in Senate Judiciary Committee to 2/25/2025
lower
Feb 11, 2025
Lower · Passed
Placed on Senate Judiciary Committee calendar for 2/18/2025
lower
Jan 27, 2025
Committee
Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Judiciary Committee
upper
Jan 16, 2025
Introduced
Introduced, Passed on First Consideration
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Jack Johnson
Jack Johnson
RRepublican
TN
27