SB 533 changes who pays for electronic monitoring devices when prisoners are released for work in Tennessee. For unpaid work release, the organization employing the prisoner must cover the monitoring costs. For paid employment, the prisoner’s wages must be used to pay for the device, with the sheriff deducting the cost and paying the provider directly. This applies to county or state facilities under Tennessee Code Annotated Title 41, effective July 1, 2025. The bill removes a prior 2024 start date but otherwise modifies existing work release rules.
SB 407 changes how Tennessee restores voting rights after felony convictions. It removes the requirement for a governor's pardon, instead automatically restoring voting rights once a person completes their sentence (including probation or parole) for most felony convictions. The bill affects individuals with past felony convictions who were previously barred from voting without a pardon. However, voting rights remain restricted for those convicted of first-degree murder, aggravated rape, treason, or certain violent sexual offenses, as specified in the law.
SB 252 adjusts Tennessee's maximum compensation for crime victims under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Act to 105% of the national average compensation offered by all 50 states, D.C., and U.S. Virgin Islands. It requires the state treasurer to review and adjust this maximum amount every three years (starting January 2026), comparing it to the national average and rounding up to the nearest $100 if needed. The adjusted amount must be published on the Treasury website by March 1 each comparison year, effective for claims filed on or after July 1. This directly affects crime victims in Tennessee who file claims for compensation after the effective date.
SB 1166 requires the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) to annually report to legislative leaders on DUI arrests where no alcohol or intoxicants were detected in the person's blood or breath. Specifically, the TBI must submit a report by January 1 each year (starting in 2026) detailing these cases from the most recent complete data year, including the arresting law enforcement agency. The bill affects the TBI (as the reporting entity) and the Tennessee General Assembly (as the recipient of the data). This provision amends Tennessee law to create a new annual reporting requirement under Title 38, focusing solely on data collection without changing DUI penalties or procedures.
HB 1090 requires Tennessee's Department of Correction to study the challenges of building and operating reentry facilities for eligible inmates transitioning back into the community. The bill mandates that the department submit an annual report by February 1st detailing its findings. This law directly affects the Department of Correction, which must now conduct this study and report its results each year, without creating new facilities or changing inmate eligibility.
SB 304 allows video recordings of children's interviews with forensic interviewers to be used as evidence in court for cases involving sexual or physical violence against children. The bill requires either the child or the forensic interviewer to swear under oath that the recording is accurate, and the child must be available for cross-examination. It also clarifies that interviews conducted by qualified professionals - such as those employed by accredited child advocacy centers or federal agencies - meet admissibility standards. This change directly affects child victims in criminal cases, streamlining evidence presentation while maintaining judicial safeguards.
SJR 9 proposes a constitutional amendment to expand rights for crime victims in Tennessee by replacing Article I, Section 35 of the state constitution. The amendment would guarantee victims specific rights, including timely notice of court proceedings, the right to be present at hearings, the ability to provide input during sentencing and parole decisions, and access to restitution from offenders. These rights would apply to all victims of crime as defined by law, with the General Assembly retaining authority to create implementing laws. The amendment must be approved by voters in the 2026 general election to take effect.
SB 391 allows certified facility dogs to accompany witnesses - especially trauma victims - in court to reduce stress and improve testimony accuracy. It sets strict requirements: dogs must have 2+ years of training, vet health certificates, $500,000 insurance, and visible markings, while handlers must be certified in legal protocols. Courts must approve requests via motion, require handlers to stay visible to witnesses but out of jury view during testimony, and instruct juries not to view the dog as prejudicial. The law, effective April 11, 2025, applies to all Tennessee court proceedings involving witness testimony.
SB 992 requires Tennessee's juvenile courts to adopt a new centralized computer system for tracking juvenile cases. All juvenile court clerks must switch to this statewide system, which meets criminal justice standards, following a schedule set with the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC). The system mandates monthly reporting of case data directly to the AOC, replacing older, fragmented record-keeping methods. This change applies to all juvenile courts across Tennessee and aims to improve data consistency and accessibility.
SB 1299, now law in Tennessee, modifies ignition interlock device requirements for drivers convicted of DUI offenses. It allows individuals to schedule calibration, monitoring, or inspection appointments within a two-week window before or after their original date (instead of strict on-time appointments), and permits courts to reinstate driver’s licenses if the sole noncompliance was missing a calibration appointment and no other license suspensions exist. The bill also adds provisions for military service members deployed outside Tennessee for over 30 days, enabling temporary tolling of ignition interlock usage periods with proof of deployment. These changes take effect April 11, 2025, and apply directly to drivers required to use ignition interlock devices.
