Criminal Justice (Probation & Parole)

in committee · Tennessee · Senate Feb 2, 2026

SB 1862: Correction, Dept. of - As introduced, increases from 90 to 100 days of receiving a valid judgment of conviction for when the department has to notify the victim witness coordinator of the scheduled parole hearing date when the inmate will be eligible for parole consideration. - Amends TCA Title 39 and Title 40.

SB 1862 amends Tennessee law to extend the timeframe for the Department of Correction to notify victims about parole hearings. Specifically, it increases the deadline from 90 to 100 days after receiving a valid conviction judgment for notifying victim witness coordinators of an inmate's scheduled parole hearing date. This change directly affects crime victims and their designated coordinators by providing an additional 10 days to prepare for parole proceedings. The amendment applies to inmates eligible for parole consideration and takes effect July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeExtends victim notification window for parole hearings, enhancing victim rights and participation in criminal justice process85% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole

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in committee · Tennessee · Senate Mar 24, 2026

SB 1895: DUI Offenses - As introduced, allows a person convicted of driving under the influence of an intoxicant involving alcohol or opioids to agree to receive naltrexone injections at the person's own expense for a period of 12 continuous months in lieu of being required to operate only a motor vehicle equipped with an ignition interlock device. - Amends TCA Title 39; Title 40 and Title 55, Chapter 10.

SB 1895 allows individuals convicted of DUI involving alcohol or opioids to choose receiving naltrexone injections (paid for by the individual) for 12 months instead of being required to use an ignition interlock device on their vehicle. This option is available at the court's discretion during sentencing for DUI offenses under Tennessee law. The court must include reporting requirements for the naltrexone treatment as a probation condition, and failure to comply could lead to probation revocation. The bill amends Tennessee Code Sections 55-10-401 and 55-10-409 to implement this alternative sentencing mechanism. It takes effect July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeOffers addiction treatment (naltrexone) as alternative sentencing for DUI, promoting rehabilitation over punitive measures and addressing root causes of offenses.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill provides naltrexone treatment (for opioid/alcohol addiction) as an alternative to ignition interlock devices for DUI offenders, facilitating access to substance use disorder healthcare within sentencing.90% confidence ✗ TransportationOpposes TransportationReplaces mandatory ignition interlock (vehicle safety device) with medical treatment, reducing enforcement of transportation safety standards.80% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Drug Policy Probation & Parole Traffic Safety Vehicle Registration

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in committee · Tennessee · House Mar 25, 2026

HB 1861: Probation and Parole - As introduced, specifies that if the trial judge finds by a preponderance of the evidence that the defendant has violated conditions of probation and suspension of sentence for a felony offense by engaging in conduct that constitutes a drug offense, then for the first instance of such a violation, the trial judge must order the defendant to attend a substance abuse treatment program and must not revoke the defendant's probation and suspension of sentence. - Amends TCA Title 40, Chapter 35.

HB 1861 modifies Tennessee's probation rules for felony offenders who violate probation by committing a drug offense. For a first-time violation involving a drug offense, the bill requires judges to order substance abuse treatment instead of revoking probation and suspension of sentence. The law applies when a judge finds by "more likely than not" evidence that the violation occurred. This change aims to prioritize treatment over punishment for initial drug-related probation breaches.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill mandates substance abuse treatment over probation revocation for first-time drug-related violations, prioritizing rehabilitation and reducing punitive measures in criminal justice reform.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates substance abuse treatment for first-time drug-related probation violations, directing offenders into healthcare services rather than punishment.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Judges Probation & Parole Substance Abuse

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in committee · Tennessee · Senate May 15, 2026

SB 1717: 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.

SB 1717 makes it a Class A misdemeanor to knowingly violate a no contact order issued as part of a defendant's sentence or probation/parole conditions following a conviction for a domestic abuse offense. It directly affects individuals convicted of domestic abuse crimes who break court-ordered no contact restrictions with the alleged victim. The bill amends Tennessee law to expand the scope of violations to include post-conviction orders (not just pre-trial) and clarifies that violations apply when the alleged victim is defined as a domestic abuse victim under state law. This change takes effect on July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeStrengthens victim protection by criminalizing no-contact order violations post-conviction for domestic abuse, advancing accountability in criminal justice system.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Domestic Violence Probation & Parole

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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

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 · Senate Apr 27, 2026

SB 1479: Driver Licenses - As enacted, requires the department of correction to coordinate with the department of safety to provide a driver license to certain inmates who are discharged from imprisonment and who intend to reside in this state; makes other related changes. - Amends TCA Section 41-51-301 and Title 55, Chapter 50, Part 3.

SB 1479 requires Tennessee's Department of Correction to coordinate with the Department of Safety to help inmates released after serving a felony sentence obtain driver licenses or photo ID licenses if they had a valid license before incarceration. It automatically extends the expiration date of a driver license that expired during incarceration or within six months after release by six additional months. The bill also mandates a data-sharing agreement between the two departments to streamline this process and ensures licenses expired solely due to incarceration are treated as valid for reentry. This applies specifically to inmates discharged from prison who plan to live in Tennessee and had a driver license in good standing prior to incarceration.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill facilitates post-incarceration reintegration by removing driver license barriers, reducing recidivism risk through practical reentry support, aligning with criminal justice reform goals.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole Sentencing

in committee · Tennessee · House Apr 9, 2025

HB 629: Children - As introduced, authorizes a juvenile court to order a child who is accused of being delinquent or unruly and released prior to a hearing to wear a global positioning monitoring system device; if the court issues such an order, requires the entity operating the global positioning monitoring system to notify the probation officer or other entity ordered to take charge of the child if the child violates the instructions issued by the court upon release; requires students who are expelled for committing a zero tolerance offense for threatening mass violence on school property or at a school-related activity to undergo counseling and a mental health evaluation before returning to school. - Amends TCA Title 37; Title 39; Title 40, Chapter 11 and Title 49.

HB 629 modifies Tennessee law regarding juvenile justice and school discipline. It allows juvenile courts to order GPS tracking devices for youth accused of delinquency or unruliness who are released before a hearing, requiring monitoring providers to alert probation officers if rules are violated. Additionally, it mandates that students expelled for threatening mass violence at school must complete counseling and a mental health evaluation before returning to school, with costs borne by parents or the student (if 18+), and evaluation results kept confidential. These changes apply to cases occurring on or after July 1, 2025.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates mental health evaluations for juveniles expelled for threats, promoting rehabilitation over punitive measures in school discipline, aligning with criminal justice reform indicators.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Juvenile Justice Probation & Parole

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signed · Tennessee · Senate May 27, 2026

SB 1232: Courts - As enacted, enacts the "Recovery Court Renewal Act." - Amends TCA Title 40, Chapter 32, Part 1.

SB 1232 allows individuals convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) in Tennessee to petition for the removal of their conviction from their criminal record after meeting specific conditions. To qualify, a person must have completed all sentence requirements (including fines, probation, and restitution) for the DUI offense, not have received prior expunctions, and not have been convicted of DUI more than once. The bill creates a new eligibility pathway for DUI expunctions, requiring the offense to be at least 10 years old from the date of conviction and limiting petitions to one per person. It takes effect July 1, 2025, and applies only to DUI convictions under Tennessee law § 55-10-401.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeAllows DUI expunction after 10 years with conditions, reducing barriers to rehabilitation and aiding reintegration, aligning with criminal justice reform goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Probation & Parole Victims' Rights

signed · Tennessee · Senate Apr 6, 2026

SB 175: State Inmates - As enacted, requires by July 1, 2027, and each July 1 thereafter, the commissioner of correction to deliver to the chairs of legislative committees with jurisdiction over the department a report containing data with regard to individuals who may be certified eligible for parole for being chronically debilitated or incapacitated. - Amends TCA Title 40 and Title 41.

SB 175 changes Tennessee's parole and furlough rules for inmates with serious medical conditions. It removes the requirement that an inmate must be "chronically debilitated" to be certified for parole, and expands eligibility for furloughs when an inmate cannot perform basic daily tasks in prison due to a medical condition. The bill affects inmates with health issues that limit their ability to manage daily activities in a correctional setting. These changes update Tennessee Code Sections 40-35-501 (parole eligibility) and 41-21-227 (furlough criteria), but the bill remains pending in the Senate.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRemoves medical barrier for parole/furloughs, enabling compassionate release for inmates with chronic conditions - advancing rehabilitation-focused criminal justice reform.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole