Criminal Justice (Victims' Rights)

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 May 13, 2025

SB 252: Treasurer, State - As enacted, sets the maximum award of compensation under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Act of 1976 at 105% of the national average of the maximum compensation award provided by the 50 states within the United States, the District of Columbia, and the United States Virgin Islands, rounded up to the nearest $100; requires the state treasurer to publish on the department of treasury website the maximum compensation award for claims filed for crimes occurring on or after July 1, 2025. - Amends TCA Section 29-13-106.

SB 252 adjusts Tennessee's maximum compensation for crime victims under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Act to 105% of the national average compensation offered by all 50 states, D.C., and U.S. Virgin Islands. It requires the state treasurer to review and adjust this maximum amount every three years (starting January 2026), comparing it to the national average and rounding up to the nearest $100 if needed. The adjusted amount must be published on the Treasury website by March 1 each comparison year, effective for claims filed on or after July 1. This directly affects crime victims in Tennessee who file claims for compensation after the effective date.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeIncreases victim compensation to 105% of national average, strengthening victim support within criminal justice system per TCA 29-13-106.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Victims' Rights

in committee · Tennessee · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 1353: Criminal Procedure - As introduced, restores the right of suffrage for persons convicted of an infamous crime after expiration of the sentence imposed for the infamous crime; removes requirement that the person pay restitution and court costs and be current in all child support obligations before having the person's right of suffrage restored; permits a person to have the right of suffrage restored without having the person's full rights of citizenship restored. - Amends TCA Title 2 and Title 40.

SB 1353 restores voting rights for Tennessee residents convicted of "infamous crimes" after completing their sentence, removing previous barriers like unpaid restitution, court costs, or current child support obligations. It amends voting eligibility laws to allow this right to be restored without requiring full citizenship rights restoration. The bill updates voter registration forms to accept proof of sentence completion (via court documents or a voting rights certificate) instead of requiring pardons or full citizenship restoration. This directly affects individuals with past convictions who have finished their sentences but were previously barred from voting due to financial or support requirements. The changes apply to both state and federal convictions that qualify as infamous crimes under Tennessee law.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRestores voting rights for formerly incarcerated individuals post-sentence, removing financial barriers, aligning with criminal justice reform goals to reduce recidivism and promote reintegration.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Civil Rights Courts Victims' Rights

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in committee · Tennessee · House Apr 16, 2025

HJR 48: Constitutional Amendments - Proposes an amendment to Article I, Section 35 of the Constitution of Tennessee to expand the rights of victims of crimes. -

HJR 48 proposes a constitutional amendment to expand rights for crime victims in Tennessee. If approved by voters, it would guarantee victims specific protections including the right to receive notice of court proceedings, be present at trials, provide input during sentencing, receive restitution from offenders, and be informed of parole decisions. The amendment would require voter approval at the 2026 general election, as directed in the resolution. This is a proposed change to the state constitution, not an immediate law, and would not alter existing legal processes or create new lawsuits against the government.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeExpands victims' rights in court proceedings, sentencing, and parole, aligning with criminal justice reform goals to protect victims.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Probation & Parole Victims' Rights

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in committee · Tennessee · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 920: Sexual Offenses - As enacted, provides that when the victim of a sexually oriented crime is a minor, the consent of a parent or guardian is not required for the victim to receive a forensic medical examination. - Amends TCA Title 29; Title 38 and Title 39.

SB 920 increases compensation for healthcare providers who perform forensic medical exams on sexual assault victims from $1,000 to $2,500 per exam, effective July 1, 2025. It also requires the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation to complete DNA testing on sexual assault evidence kits within 120 days of receiving them from law enforcement, with written explanations for delays beyond that timeframe. The bill affects healthcare providers, law enforcement agencies, and the Bureau of Investigation by changing payment standards and establishing new timelines for evidence processing. Kits flagged for delay must be analyzed "within a reasonable time thereafter," and the bill clarifies that delays don't affect evidence admissibility. These changes apply to exams performed and kits received on or after July 1, 2025.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeIncreases compensation for forensic exams and mandates timely DNA testing on sexual assault evidence, improving victim support and evidence processing in criminal justice system.92% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareIncreases compensation for healthcare providers performing forensic exams (from $1k to $2.5k), directly funding a healthcare service for sexual assault victims.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Victims' Rights Violent Crime

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in committee · Tennessee · House May 27, 2026

HB 1346: Courts - As enacted, enacts the "Recovery Court Renewal Act." - Amends TCA Title 40, Chapter 32, Part 1.

HB 1346 would allow individuals with a prior DUI conviction (under §55-10-401) to petition for expungement of eligible criminal offenses after waiting at least 10 years from their conviction date. To qualify, petitioners must have fully paid all fines/restitution, completed probation or imprisonment, and not have prior expungements or multiple DUI convictions. The bill amends Tennessee's expungement law to create this specific pathway, effective July 1, 2025, if passed. It applies only to offenses eligible under existing expungement rules (§40-32-101(g)(1)) and limits petitions to one per person. The bill is currently under review by the Criminal Justice Subcommittee.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeAllows expungement of DUI convictions after 10 years, promoting rehabilitation and reducing barriers to employment, aligning with criminal justice reform goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Probation & Parole Victims' Rights

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signed · Tennessee · House Mar 23, 2026

HB 679: Sexual Offenses - As enacted, provides that when the victim of a sexually oriented crime is a minor, the consent of a parent or guardian is not required for the victim to receive a forensic medical examination. - Amends TCA Title 29; Title 38 and Title 39.

HB 679 increases compensation for healthcare providers who perform forensic exams on sexual assault victims from $1,000 to $2,500 per exam, directly affecting providers who bill the criminal injuries compensation fund. It also requires the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation to complete DNA or serology analysis on sexual assault evidence kits within 120 days of receiving them from law enforcement, with specific procedures for delays. The bill sets a July 1, 2025 effective date for both provisions, applying to exams performed and kits received after that date. These changes aim to improve compensation for medical providers and streamline forensic evidence processing in sexual assault cases.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeIncreases victim support via higher provider compensation and mandates faster DNA analysis, directly advancing evidence processing and victim care in sexual assault cases.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Victims' Rights Violent Crime

died · Tennessee · House Feb 5, 2025

HB 616: Criminal Procedure - As introduced, restores the right of suffrage for persons convicted of an infamous crime after expiration of the sentence imposed for the infamous crime; removes requirement that the person pay restitution and court costs and be current in all child support obligations before having the person's right of suffrage restored; permits a person to have the right of suffrage restored without having the person's full rights of citizenship restored. - Amends TCA Title 2 and Title 40.

HB 616 would restore voting rights in Tennessee for people convicted of "infamous crimes" once their sentence (including incarceration, probation, or parole) ends. It removes the current requirements that individuals must pay all restitution, court costs, or be current on child support obligations before regaining voting rights. The bill clarifies that voting rights restoration does not automatically restore all citizenship rights (like jury service or holding office). This directly affects Tennesseans with past convictions for crimes classified as "infamous" under state law, allowing them to vote after serving their sentence without financial or child support hurdles.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRestores voting rights for formerly incarcerated without financial barriers, aligning with criminal justice reform goals of reintegration and civil rights protection.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Civil Rights Probation & Parole Victims' Rights

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in committee · Tennessee · Senate Feb 12, 2025

SB 594: Criminal Procedure - As introduced, restores the right of suffrage for persons convicted of an infamous crime after expiration of the sentence imposed for the infamous crime; removes requirement that the person pay restitution and court costs and be current in all child support obligations before having the person's right of suffrage restored; permits a person to have the right of suffrage restored without having the person's full rights of citizenship restored. - Amends TCA Title 2 and Title 40.

SB 594 restores voting rights for Tennessee residents convicted of an "infamous crime" (serious criminal convictions) once their sentence, probation, or parole ends. It removes the previous requirement that individuals must pay all restitution, court costs, and be current on child support before regaining the right to vote. The bill clarifies that voting rights restoration occurs automatically after sentence completion, without needing a full citizenship restoration or pardon. This change applies to all eligible individuals, including those convicted before 1981, and updates voter registration forms to reflect the new eligibility criteria.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRestores voting rights for formerly incarcerated individuals without financial barriers, advancing criminal justice reform by removing punitive restrictions post-sentence.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Civil Rights Probation & Parole Victims' Rights

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passed both · Tennessee · Senate Apr 30, 2025

SJR 9: Constitutional Amendments - Proposes an amendment to Article I, Section 35 of the Constitution of Tennessee to expand the rights of victims of crimes. -

SJR 9 proposes a constitutional amendment to expand rights for crime victims in Tennessee by replacing Article I, Section 35 of the state constitution. The amendment would guarantee victims specific rights, including timely notice of court proceedings, the right to be present at hearings, the ability to provide input during sentencing and parole decisions, and access to restitution from offenders. These rights would apply to all victims of crime as defined by law, with the General Assembly retaining authority to create implementing laws. The amendment must be approved by voters in the 2026 general election to take effect.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeExpands victims' rights in court proceedings and sentencing, aligning with criminal justice reform goals of victim protection and system transparency.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Probation & Parole Victims' Rights

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