Criminal Justice

in committee · Tennessee · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 2099: Courts, Administrative Office of the - As introduced, enacts the "Tennessee Court Appearance Reminder Program Act." - Amends TCA Title 16 and Title 40.

SB 2099 establishes Tennessee's statewide "Court Appearance Reminder Program" to reduce missed court appearances. It requires the Administrative Office of the Courts to automatically send free text, email, or mail reminders (at least three total, including one the day before) to defendants with upcoming out-of-custody criminal or traffic court dates. The program must use plain language, include court details and consequences of missing, allow opt-out, and provide post-missed-appearance guidance. It includes strict privacy protections (contact info cannot be used for investigations or bail decisions) and mandates data collection to evaluate effectiveness.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeReduces missed court appearances via automated reminders, preventing minor violations from escalating and aligning with criminal justice reform goals to improve court efficiency and defendant outcomes.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

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in committee · Tennessee · Senate Mar 11, 2026

SB 1950: 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.

SB 1950 modifies Tennessee's driver license rules to allow certain individuals to obtain a for-hire endorsement for Class D vehicles. It specifically waives the standard two-year unrestricted driving requirement for applicants who: (1) completed a sentence of incarceration for an offense, (2) currently hold a restricted license due to unpaid fines/court costs, and (3) are making payments under a court-approved plan. This change directly affects people with past convictions who are resolving financial obligations through structured payment plans. The bill does not alter other eligibility criteria like age, vehicle type, or character requirements.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill removes barrier for formerly incarcerated individuals with unpaid fines to obtain for-hire driver's license, aiding reintegration and reducing recidivism per criminal justice reform goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Courts

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in committee · Tennessee · House Apr 6, 2026

HB 1771: Correction, Dept. of - As enacted, requires the department to conduct an annual education assessment of each inmate who is serving a period of confinement for committing a felony offense to ascertain the inmate's highest grade or educational level attained, as well as their interest in continuing, completing, or advancing their education; requires the department to notify such inmates of the educational programming and opportunities available. - Amends TCA Title 4; Title 41 and Title 49.

HB 1771 requires Tennessee's Department of Correction to conduct annual education assessments for inmates serving felony sentences. These assessments determine each inmate's current education level and interest in continuing or advancing their studies. The department must then provide written notice within 90 days of the assessment about available educational programs and opportunities. The law applies to all felony inmates confined in state facilities and takes effect July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires correctional education assessments and program access to reduce recidivism through rehabilitation, aligning with criminal justice reform indicators.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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failed · Tennessee · Senate Mar 18, 2026

SB 2014: Correction, Dept. of - As introduced, enacts the "Tennessee Women's Childbirth Alternatives, Resources, and Education Act." - Amends TCA Title 24; Title 33; Title 39; Title 40; Title 41; Title 63; Title 68 and Title 71.

SB 2014, the "Tennessee Women's Childbirth Alternatives, Resources, and Education Act" (Trixtian's Law), protects pregnant and postpartum individuals in Tennessee's criminal justice system. It prohibits using pregnancy-related medical information (like test results or treatment disclosures) as evidence in criminal cases and prevents criminal charges based on pregnancy outcomes. The bill requires correctional facilities to report annual data on incarcerated pregnant people, births, and health outcomes while maintaining confidentiality, and mandates expeditious transfers for pregnant individuals to state custody. It also grants immunity to facilities for pregnancy outcomes and ensures pregnancy testing access within 72 hours.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProhibits using pregnancy medical info as evidence and prevents pregnancy outcome charges in corrections, protecting civil rights within criminal justice system95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareProtects patient rights by prohibiting use of pregnancy medical info in criminal cases and mandates health data reporting in correctional facilities, advancing healthcare access and privacy.90% confidence

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signed · Tennessee · House May 15, 2026

HB 1624: Criminal Offenses - As enacted, creates a criminal offense of knowingly violating a no contact order issued as part of a defendant's sentence or conditions of probation or parole following conviction for certain criminal offenses in which the alleged victim of the offense is a domestic abuse victim; punishes a violation as a Class A misdemeanor. - Amends TCA Title 39 and Title 40.

HB 1624 makes knowingly violating a no-contact order issued as part of a defendant's sentence or probation/parole for certain domestic abuse-related crimes a Class A misdemeanor. It directly affects individuals convicted of offenses where the alleged victim was a domestic abuse victim under Tennessee law. The bill amends Tennessee Code to clarify that violations of such orders - whether issued before release on bond or as part of sentencing - constitute a specific criminal offense. This changes the legal consequence from a general probation breach to a defined misdemeanor charge, effective July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeStrengthens victim protection in domestic abuse cases by criminalizing no-contact order violations, aligning with criminal justice reform goals to enhance safety and accountability.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Probation & Parole Sentencing

passed · Tennessee · Senate Mar 16, 2026

SJR 617: Memorials, Congress - Urges the U.S. Congress to enact H.R. 2350 (S. 1137), which permits states to deploy cell-phone jamming systems in prisons. -

Tennessee's Senate Joint Resolution 617 urges the U.S. Congress to pass H.R. 2350/S. 1137, which would permit states to use cell-phone jamming systems in prisons. Currently, federal law bans states from deploying such technology to block contraband phones used by inmates for illegal activities like drug trafficking and violence coordination. The resolution highlights that 25,840 contraband phones were found in state prisons in a single year, and jamming systems would specifically avoid disrupting emergency 911 calls. As a non-binding resolution, it does not change laws but formally requests congressional action to address this safety concern.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeUrges federal law change to allow prison cell-jamming, reducing contraband phones linked to violence/drug trafficking in corrections.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyUrges permitting cell-phone jamming in prisons to combat contraband phones, enhancing institutional cybersecurity by blocking unauthorized devices used for illegal activities.90% confidence

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in committee · Tennessee · House May 4, 2026

HB 1679: Courts, Juvenile - As enacted, expands the disposition allowed when a person under 21 is found to have unlawfully purchased, possessed, accepted receipt of, or presented fraudulent proof of age to purchase tobacco, smoking hemp, a vapor product, or a smokeless nicotine product to include requiring community service work, the successful completion of a prescribed court program, or placing the person on an informal adjustment for a period of 90 days for a first violation, and, for a second or subsequent violation, placing the person on probation for up to six months in addition to requiring community service and the successful completion of a prescribed court program focusing on the dangers of tobacco and vapor products. - Amends TCA Title 39, Chapter 17, Part 15.

HB 1679 updates Tennessee law for individuals under 21 caught illegally buying, possessing, or using fake age proof for tobacco, vaping, or nicotine products. For a first violation, courts can require up to 50 hours of community service, completion of an educational program about the dangers of these products, a small fine ($10-$50), or a 90-day informal adjustment. For a second or subsequent violation, courts must add probation for up to six months to the community service and educational program requirements. The bill applies to underage individuals and takes effect July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticePromotes rehabilitation through educational programs and community service for juvenile tobacco offenses, aligning with reform goals in juvenile justice sentencing.70% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Juvenile Justice Probation & Parole

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signed · Tennessee · House May 15, 2026

HB 1484: Criminal Offenses - As enacted, enacts "The Memphis Safe Task Force Accountability Act." - Amends TCA Title 8, Chapter 7 and Title 39.

HB 1484, the "Memphis Safe Task Force Accountability Act," requires Tennessee district attorneys to submit reports within 24 hours to state and federal officials whenever they take specific actions (like plea deals, charge reductions, or case dismissals) related to felony cases stemming from Operation Viper or the Memphis Safe Task Force. It directly affects district attorneys in judicial districts where these federal task forces operate. The bill mandates these reports be submitted to the Attorney General, legislative leaders, the District Attorneys General Conference, and the relevant U.S. Attorney. The key provision creates a standardized reporting mechanism to increase transparency around prosecutorial decisions involving these specific law enforcement initiatives. This is a procedural requirement focused on accountability, not on changing criminal penalties or policies.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates rapid reporting on prosecutorial actions to enhance oversight and accountability in criminal justice cases involving federal task forces.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement

signed · Tennessee · House May 18, 2026

HB 1718: Correctional Programs - As enacted, requires each correctional officer at Trousdale Turner Correctional Center to utilize a body camera that is recording at all times while the officer is on duty at the facility and is in contact with or may reasonably anticipate contact or interaction with an inmate; makes other related changes. - Amends TCA Title 4; Title 10 and Title 41.

HB 1718 requires Tennessee's Department of Correction to study the cost of providing body cameras to correctional officers and prison contractor employees working at Trousdale Turner Correctional Facility. The study must cover facilities meeting specific criteria: located on public property housing inmates under contractor care, in a county with a 2020 census population between 11,600 and 11,616. The department must submit findings to legislative committee chairs by July 1, 2026, detailing the financial impact of this equipment. This bill does not mandate body cameras but mandates a cost analysis for a specific facility.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill requires study on body camera costs for correctional staff, enhancing accountability in corrections - a key criminal justice reform measure.80% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

failed · Tennessee · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 2011: Law Enforcement - As introduced, enacts the "Stop American Gestapo Act (SAGA)." - Amends TCA Title 38 and Title 39.

SB 2011, titled the "Stop American Gestapo Act (SAGA)," prohibits Tennessee law enforcement officers from wearing masks, face coverings, or personal disguises while interacting with the public during official duties. The bill directly affects all local, state, and federal law enforcement officers during public interactions, with exceptions for N95 masks during health emergencies, smoke protection during natural disasters, and SWAT team gear for physical safety. It also requires officers to visibly display their name or badge number on their uniform. Violations would be Class C misdemeanors, effective July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires law enforcement visibility during public interactions, enhancing accountability - a key criminal justice reform indicator.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement

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