Criminal Justice

died · Tennessee · House Feb 2, 2026

HB 2033: Sentencing - As introduced, requires a sentencing court to order every convicted person to perform a certain number of community service hours in addition to any other punishment imposed for the criminal violation. - Amends TCA Title 40.

HB 2033, as introduced, would require Tennessee courts to mandate community service hours for most convicted individuals starting July 1, 2026. Felony convicts (excluding those sentenced to death, life without parole, or 100% prison time) would need to complete 80 hours, while misdemeanor convicts (excluding traffic offenses or fines-only cases) would need 40 hours. The service must be performed through approved organizations or programs, documented in writing, and verified by the court before probation or parole release. This bill would directly affect people convicted of non-exempt criminal offenses in Tennessee, adding a mandatory community service component to sentencing.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates community service as rehabilitative sentencing alternative, reducing incarceration and aligning with reform goals like recidivism reduction.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole Sentencing

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died · Tennessee · House Mar 10, 2026

HB 1832: Driver Licenses - As introduced, authorizes the department of safety to issue a for-hire endorsement to operate a Class D vehicle to an applicant who would otherwise qualify for a for-hire endorsement but for the requirement of at least two years of unrestricted driving prior to the date of application if the applicant has completed a sentence of incarceration after conviction for an offense and currently has a restricted license for unpaid fines and court costs and is making payments in accordance with a payment plan. - Amends TCA Title 55.

HB 1832 modifies Tennessee's driver license rules to allow certain individuals to obtain a for-hire endorsement for Class D vehicles without meeting the standard two-year unrestricted driving requirement. It directly affects people who have completed incarceration for a conviction, currently hold a restricted license due to unpaid fines/court costs, and are making payments under a court-ordered plan. The key provision waives the driving experience requirement for these applicants, enabling them to qualify for the endorsement while ensuring they meet other standard criteria like age and vehicle ownership rules. This change aims to provide a pathway for reentry into commercial driving for a specific group facing barriers due to past legal issues and financial obligations.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill removes employment barrier for formerly incarcerated individuals by waiving driving requirement, promoting reentry and reducing recidivism, aligning with criminal justice reform.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Courts Probation & Parole Tags Licensing

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in committee · Tennessee · House Mar 18, 2026

HB 1931: Sheriffs - As introduced, prohibits the county legislative body of a county with a charter form of government from adopting a budget that reduces the budget for the sheriff below the budgeted amount for the previous fiscal year unless the reduction is approved in writing by the sheriff; authorizes a sheriff to approve or disapprove a budget amendment that would reduce personnel, operational, or capital expenditures below the level proposed by the sheriff; authorizes the county legislative body to override the sheriff's disapproval by a two-thirds vote. - Amends TCA Title 5, Chapter 1, Part 2; Title 5, Chapter 9, Part 4 and Title 8, Chapter 20, Part 1.

HB 1931 prevents county legislative bodies in Tennessee counties with charters from reducing a sheriff's budget below the previous year's level for personnel, benefits, or essential operations without the sheriff's written approval. It gives sheriffs the authority to approve or reject budget amendments that would cut these areas, and allows county legislatures to override a sheriff's disapproval with a two-thirds vote. The bill directly affects sheriffs and county lawmakers in charter counties, specifically protecting budget allocations for core sheriff duties. Key provisions include requiring written sheriff consent for cuts and establishing a formal override process for budget disputes. (HB 1931, Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 5, Chapters 1, 9, and 8)

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesPrevents county budget cuts to sheriff's department without approval, protecting existing funding for personnel and essential operations.90% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticePrevents budget cuts to sheriff's personnel/operations, maintaining law enforcement funding levels per bill's explicit language on budget protections.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement

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signed · Tennessee · Senate May 27, 2026

SB 1909: Courts - As enacted, removes a conviction for domestic assault from the definition of a violent offender for purposes of drug treatment courts; changes the definition of a violent offender for purposes of drug treatment courts from an offender with a conviction for an offense involving certain acts to an offender with a conviction for a felony offense involving certain acts within the previous 10 years. - Amends TCA Title 16, Chapter 22.

SB 1909 changes eligibility rules for Tennessee's drug treatment courts by revising the definition of a "violent offender." It removes convictions for domestic assault from being considered a violent offense that disqualifies someone from these courts, while requiring that a disqualifying violent offense must now be a felony committed within the past 10 years. This means individuals previously barred due to a domestic assault conviction (but without a recent felony violent offense) may now qualify for drug treatment court instead of standard criminal sentencing. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated § 16-22-103 and takes effect July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRemoves domestic assault convictions from violent offender definition for drug treatment courts, expanding eligibility for rehabilitation programs and aligning with criminal justice reform goals.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRemoves domestic assault conviction barrier for drug treatment courts, improving access to substance abuse healthcare services.80% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Sentencing Violent Crime

in committee · Tennessee · Senate Mar 30, 2026

SB 1845: Clerks, Court - As enacted, requires a person ordered to use an ignition interlock device to provide the clerk of the court with documentation showing qualifications for certain assistance on the date the person was ordered to use the device to show need to participate in the electronic monitoring indigency fund. - Amends TCA Section 55-10-419.

SB 1845 requires people ordered to use an ignition interlock device (for DUI offenses) to provide the court clerk with documentation proving they qualify for financial assistance from specific state or federal programs on the date they were ordered to use the device. This applies directly to individuals facing financial barriers to accessing ignition interlock services. The bill adds a mechanism where the state treasurer must work with agencies to verify eligibility through memoranda of understanding, and providers must submit this documentation to the state treasurer. It does not change eligibility criteria but streamlines verification for the electronic monitoring indigency fund.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRemoves financial barriers for DUI offenders to access ignition interlock services, promoting equitable compliance with court orders and reducing recidivism risk.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

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in committee · Tennessee · House Mar 25, 2026

HB 2001: Criminal Offenses - As introduced, adds as an affirmative defense to the offense of criminal exposure of another to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), proof by a preponderance of the evidence that a person infected with HIV was in compliance with a treatment regime prescribed by the person's healthcare provider to medically suppress the risk of HIV transmission. - Amends TCA Title 39, Chapter 13.

HB 2001 modifies Tennessee's criminal law for HIV exposure by adding a new defense for people with HIV who are charged with criminal exposure. If a person with HIV can prove they were following their healthcare provider's prescribed treatment to medically suppress transmission risk, this becomes a valid defense in court. The defense must be proven by showing it is more likely than not true (a "preponderance of evidence"). This directly affects individuals with HIV facing criminal charges related to potential exposure, changing how such cases are evaluated under current law.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeAdds defense for HIV+ individuals complying with treatment, reducing criminal charges for non-transmission, aligns with reform by protecting defendant rights.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

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signed · Tennessee · House Mar 23, 2026

HB 1489: Firefighters - As enacted, expands the applicability of the presumption that a firefighter's cancer was caused by the firefighter's employment to include arson investigators. - Amends TCA Title 7; Title 8; Title 50 and Title 56.

HB 1489 would expand Tennessee's cancer presumption law for firefighters to include arson investigators. The bill amends state law to define "firefighter" as specifically covering full-time arson investigators employed by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation or county sheriff's departments. This change means these investigators would automatically qualify for disability benefits if they develop cancer, as their job-related exposure would be presumed to cause it - similar to current firefighter protections. The bill directly affects arson investigators working in these specific state and local law enforcement roles.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeExpands cancer presumption benefits to arson investigators (TBI/sheriff's personnel), supporting law enforcement personnel within criminal justice framework.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands disability benefits eligibility for cancer treatment via occupational presumption, improving access to healthcare for arson investigators.85% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentExpands cancer presumption for arson investigators, granting automatic disability benefits for job-related cancer, strengthening workplace safety protections and worker benefits.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement

in committee · Tennessee · House Jan 15, 2026

HB 1554: Criminal Procedure - As introduced, removes the requirement for a petitioner for restoration of citizenship or an applicant for a certificate of employability to pay the costs of the proceedings; makes other changes to the process for restoration of citizenship. - Amends TCA Title 40, Chapter 29.

HB 1554 eliminates fees for individuals seeking to restore citizenship rights or obtain a certificate of employability in Tennessee. Specifically, it removes the requirement for petitioners to pay court costs related to citizenship restoration proceedings and employability applications under Tennessee law. The bill amends multiple sections of state code (40-29-103 and 40-29-107) to delete cost-related provisions and redundant language like "certified." This change directly affects people, including formerly incarcerated individuals seeking voting rights or employment clearances, by reducing financial barriers to these processes. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRemoves financial barriers for citizenship restoration and employability, aiding reintegration and reducing recidivism per criminal justice reform indicators.95% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationRemoves fees for citizenship restoration and employability certificates, reducing financial barriers for immigrants seeking legal status and rights.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Civil Rights Courts Citizenship & Naturalization

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in committee · Tennessee · Senate Mar 24, 2026

SB 1973: Immigration - As introduced, enacts the “Tennessee Freedom from Unlawful Immigration Detention Act.” - Amends TCA Title 7; Title 8; Title 38; Title 40 and Title 41.

This bill prohibits Tennessee law enforcement from detaining individuals based solely on an ICE immigration request (detainer) or immigration status. It requires any detention or transfer to ICE to be based on a valid judicial warrant signed by a judge, showing probable cause for the specific person. Individuals unlawfully detained under this law may sue for damages of at least $1,000 per day, plus attorney fees. The law states ICE detainers have no legal effect in Tennessee and explicitly prohibits state officers from claiming federal policy as a defense for violating these rules.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProhibits unlawful immigration detentions by law enforcement, protects civil rights, and requires judicial warrants - aligns with criminal justice reform indicators like enhancing accountability and protecting defendant rights.95% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationProhibits state detention based on ICE requests, requires judicial warrants, and allows lawsuits - directly limits state cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Judges Law Enforcement Detention Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

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in committee · Tennessee · House Apr 7, 2026

HB 2062: Criminal Offenses - As introduced, increases the amount of marijuana that may be possessed, from one-half ounce to five ounces, for it to be considered a small amount of marijuana and punishable as a Class A misdemeanor; revises penalty to make it punishable by a $500 fine for a first offense and a $1,000 fine for a second or subsequent offense. - Amends TCA Title 39, Chapter 17.

HB 2062 raises Tennessee's legal threshold for marijuana possession that triggers a Class A misdemeanor from 1/2 ounce to 5 ounces. For first-time possession of less than 5 ounces, the penalty would be a $500 fine; repeat offenses would incur a $1,000 fine. This bill directly affects individuals possessing marijuana between 1/2 ounce and 5 ounces, which previously faced misdemeanor charges at the lower threshold. The changes, effective July 1, 2026, apply to Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-17-418 and § 39-17-417.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeReduces criminalization of small-scale marijuana possession by raising legal threshold and lowering fines, aligning with criminal justice reform goals of reducing minor offenses.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy

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