Criminal Justice (Juvenile Justice)

SB 718 requires Tennessee juvenile courts to hold child custody, detention, or legal hearings in a dedicated courtroom located as close as possible to the county's approved juvenile detention facility. This applies to courts that use a detention center approved by the Department of Children's Services for housing detained youth. The law aims to reduce the humiliation and unnecessary transportation of detained children by minimizing public exposure and restraints during court appearances. It does not change detention standards or confidentiality rules but mandates specific courtroom location practices for these proceedings. The bill became effective October 1, 2025, after being signed by the Governor.

HB 1038 requires all Tennessee juvenile court clerks to adopt a single, secure statewide system for managing juvenile case records. The Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) must maintain this system and set adoption timelines for courts. Juvenile courts must report case data monthly through this system, replacing older record-keeping methods. This affects every juvenile court clerk and the state’s court administration across all counties.

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.

HB 1004 requires Tennessee's Department of Education to award grants to local school districts operating schools in counties with juvenile offense rates at least 10% higher than the statewide rate. These grants fund after-school programs for all K-12 students in qualifying districts, with programs required to include educational activities. Districts must submit applications showing eligibility, partner with approved nonprofits if needed, and report annually on program reach and outcomes. Funding is allocated based on the proportion of eligible students served across all qualifying districts, subject to annual appropriations.

SB 583 creates a grant program for Tennessee public schools in counties with a teen crime rate (ages 10-17) at least 10% higher than the statewide average. The Tennessee Department of Education will award grants to eligible school districts (LEAs) to fund after-school programs for students in grades K-12, requiring programs to include educational activities. Funds can expand existing programs, start new ones, or partner with 501(c)(3) nonprofits. Schools must report annually on participation and program outcomes to the legislature.