SB 1914 prevents Tennessee's Department of Correction from moving state inmates out of local jails into state facilities if they're in a work release or re-entry program, unless the inmate fails program requirements or has disciplinary issues. This directly affects inmates participating in these community-based programs who might otherwise face sudden relocation. The bill adds a specific legal prohibition requiring the department to maintain these inmates in local jails during program participation, barring only documented failures or misconduct. It creates a concrete policy change to support continuity in rehabilitation programs by limiting arbitrary transfers.
SB 1977 (Tennessee Code Annotated § 40-35-311(h)) modifies probation rules for felony offenders who violate probation by committing a drug offense. It requires trial judges, for the first violation of this type, to order substance abuse treatment instead of revoking probation - based on a preponderance of evidence. This applies directly to individuals on probation for felony drug offenses who breach probation terms. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, and aims to prioritize treatment over immediate probation revocation for first-time violations.
SB 1599 prohibits Tennessee courts from charging defendants with court costs in criminal cases when the defendant is found not guilty (by jury or judge), charges are dismissed by the prosecution or court, or the state enters a nolle prosequi. It directly affects criminal defendants who are acquitted or have charges dropped, ensuring they won't face additional financial penalties for those outcomes. The bill amends Tennessee Code Sections 39-11-102 and 40-25-123 to establish this rule, effective July 1, 2026. This policy change removes a financial burden for acquitted defendants, aligning court cost assessments with case outcomes.
HB 1911 would allow non-citizen residents of Tennessee to access their own law enforcement records, such as arrest reports or traffic citations, by removing a citizenship requirement in public records law. To obtain these records, non-citizens must submit a written request, a government-issued photo ID, and an affidavit confirming the record pertains solely to them. The bill specifically applies only to records about the requester and does not override existing confidentiality laws for other types of records. This change would directly affect non-citizen individuals seeking access to their personal law enforcement documentation within Tennessee.
HB 1686 requires Tennessee's Department of Correction to create a performance-based contracting program for private and public entities operating state prison facilities. The bill ties 25% of a contractor's annual funding to measurable improvements in 14 specific performance metrics, including staff turnover rates, inmate safety (like preventable deaths), participation in rehabilitation programs, and post-release employment or recidivism rates. Contractors must meet yearly targets for these metrics to receive the conditional funds, with failure to improve resulting in the funds returning to the state general fund. This directly affects prison contractors, not inmates or staff, by linking their payments to documented performance outcomes.
SB 1747 creates a new Class A misdemeanor offense for recklessly firing a firearm into the air, ground, water, or nearby objects at public events with 25 or more people present. It directly affects individuals who engage in such reckless discharges in crowded public settings, such as concerts or festivals. Key exceptions include law enforcement officers acting in duty, wildlife officers, licensed hunters during open seasons, and defensive use against animal attacks. The law, effective July 1, 2026, aims to address public safety risks from negligent firearm discharge in crowded areas.
HB 1860 requires Tennessee's Department of Correction to provide inmate-related records and information to any state legislator upon written request. This directly affects the Department of Correction (which must comply) and state legislators (who gain access to review compliance with correctional laws). The bill mandates that legislators submit specific written requests naming an inmate, sign confidentiality agreements, and keep all records on-site during review. It does not change correctional laws but creates a formal process for legislative oversight of inmate custody practices.
SB 1864 modifies Tennessee's security guard licensing rules by adding stalking to the list of crimes requiring a five-year waiting period after completing a sentence or probation before an applicant can register. It also disqualifies applicants from security guard registration if they are listed on a state or out-of-state abuse registry or have firearm prohibitions (like orders of protection). The bill updates requirements for security guards to report arrests or convictions related to specified offenses within 10 days. These changes directly affect individuals seeking security guard licenses who have certain criminal histories.
HB 1814 allows courts to let individuals convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) involving alcohol or opioids choose between two options: using a vehicle equipped with an ignition interlock device or receiving naltrexone injections for 12 months at their own expense. If the person opts for naltrexone, the court must include reporting requirements for the treatment as a probation condition, and failure to comply could lead to probation revocation. The bill directly affects DUI offenders in Tennessee who face sentencing for alcohol or opioid-related violations. It amends Tennessee law to provide this alternative to ignition interlock devices, effective July 1, 2026.
SB 1867 allows video recordings of child victims' interviews conducted by Department of Children's Services employees to be used as evidence in court, specifically for cases involving sexual or physical violence. The recordings are admissible only if the interview was supervised by a qualifying child advocacy center meeting specific standards and the interviewer meets all required qualifications. This law applies directly to child abuse cases in Tennessee, modifying evidence rules under Titles 9 and 24 of the Tennessee Code. The provision expires on July 1, 2031, and takes effect July 1, 2026.
