Criminal Justice (Corrections)

in committee · Tennessee · Senate Feb 2, 2026

SB 2663: Sentencing - As introduced, increases from one year to three years the amount of time a defendant receiving a split sentence of confinement and probation may be required to serve a portion of the sentence in continuous confinement in the local jail or workhouse; specifies that the state is responsible for all costs of incarceration after the first year. - Amends TCA Title 40 and Title 41.

SB 2663 modifies Tennessee sentencing rules for defendants receiving split sentences (part jail time, part probation). It extends the mandatory continuous jail time from one year to three years for such cases, and requires the state to cover all incarceration costs after the first year. This directly affects individuals convicted of crimes who are sentenced to split confinement and probation. The bill amends Tennessee Code Sections 40-35-306 and 40-35-314, effective July 1, 2026.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeIncreases mandatory jail time from 1 to 3 years for split sentences, directly expanding punitive sentencing without reform elements.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole Sentencing

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in committee · Tennessee · House May 4, 2026

HB 2147: Criminal Offenses - As enacted, creates the Class C misdemeanor offense of knowingly using an unmanned aircraft over the grounds of a school. - Amends TCA Title 39 and Title 49.

HB 2147 creates a new Class C misdemeanor offense for knowingly operating an unmanned aircraft (drone) over school property in Tennessee. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Sections 39-13-903 to add this specific prohibition as a new subdivision (a)(7), making it a separate violation from other criminal offenses. This law directly affects drone operators, including hobbyists and commercial users, who fly near schools. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026, and classifies this violation as a Class C misdemeanor (typically punishable by up to 90 days in jail or a $500 fine).

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeCreates new Class C misdemeanor for drone operation over schools, expanding criminalization without reform context.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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in committee · Tennessee · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 2343: Sentencing - As introduced, establishes parole criteria for certain persons convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to imprisonment for life; specifies that if a person is convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to imprisonment for life, then the sentence must automatically expire after the person has served 40 years. - Amends TCA Title 39, Chapter 13 and Title 40, Chapter 35.

SB 2343 changes parole rules for individuals convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life imprisonment between July 1, 1995, and June 30, 2020. It establishes a minimum 25-year sentence before parole eligibility, with up to 35 years reduced through specific criteria: 10 years for 10 years without violent misconduct, 10 years for 10 years drug-free, 10 years for completing an accredited degree, and 5 years for finishing required correctional programs. If parole criteria aren't met, the sentence automatically expires after 40 years of incarceration. The bill applies retroactively to eligible inmates already serving life sentences as of July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill establishes rehabilitation incentives (education, drug-free, programs) for parole eligibility, reducing mandatory life sentences. Aligns with reform goals of reducing recidivism through rehabilitation-focused sentencing.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole Sentencing

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in committee · Tennessee · House Feb 5, 2026

HB 2582: Sentencing - As introduced, increases from one year to three years the amount of time a defendant receiving a split sentence of confinement and probation may be required to serve a portion of the sentence in continuous confinement in the local jail or workhouse; specifies that the state is responsible for all costs of incarceration after the first year. - Amends TCA Title 40 and Title 41.

HB 2582 modifies Tennessee sentencing rules for defendants receiving split sentences (part jail, part probation). It increases the mandatory continuous jail time from one to three years for such sentences and requires the state to cover all incarceration costs after the first year. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Sections 40-35-306(a) and 40-35-314(a) to implement these changes. This directly affects individuals sentenced under split confinement terms who would previously have served less time in jail. The policy change shifts state responsibility for long-term incarceration costs beyond the initial year.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeIncreases mandatory continuous jail time from 1 to 3 years for split sentences, expanding incarceration without rehabilitation focus95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole Sentencing

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in committee · Tennessee · House Feb 4, 2026

HJR 847: General Assembly, Statement of Intent or Position - Affirms the importance of religious liberty protections for incarcerated individuals under the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act of 2000 (RLUIPA) and recognizes the contributions of Prison Fellowship. -

HJR 847 is a symbolic resolution affirming Tennessee's support for religious liberty protections for incarcerated individuals under the federal RLUIPA law. It recognizes Prison Fellowship's 50-year work in supporting faith-based rehabilitation programs in prisons, including its "Prison Fellowship Grow" program at the Debra K. Johnson Rehabilitation Center. The resolution encourages Tennessee correctional agencies to maintain policies aligned with RLUIPA, which ensures incarcerated people can practice their religion without unnecessary restrictions, and commends Prison Fellowship's role in reducing recidivism through faith-based initiatives. It does not create new laws or alter existing policies.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeAffirms religious liberty protections for incarcerated individuals under RLUIPA, supports Prison Fellowship's faith-based rehabilitation programs, aligning with criminal justice reform goals to improve rehabilitation.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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in committee · Tennessee · House Mar 23, 2026

HB 2144: Courts, Administrative Office of the - As introduced, enacts the "Tennessee Court Appearance Reminder Program Act." - Amends TCA Title 16 and Title 40.

HB 2144 establishes Tennessee's "Court Appearance Reminder Program Act," creating a statewide system to send automated reminders to defendants about upcoming court dates in criminal and traffic cases where they are not in custody. The program, administered by the Administrative Office of the Courts, automatically enrolls defendants who provide contact information (text as default) and sends at least three reminders before each court appearance, including one the day prior, with clear details on date, time, location, and consequences of missing. It is free for defendants, offers multilingual options, and includes virtual appearance links when applicable, while prohibiting the use of contact information for criminal investigations or bail decisions. The bill aims to reduce missed court appearances, lower unnecessary arrests and jail admissions, and improve judicial efficiency by addressing logistical barriers rather than altering penalties.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeAutomated court reminders reduce missed appearances, preventing unnecessary warrants/incarceration and aligning with reform goals to improve court efficiency and defendant compliance.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Courts

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in committee · Tennessee · House Mar 11, 2026

HB 2618: Criminal Offenses - As introduced, increases the penalty for assault against a first responder from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class E felony with a mandatory fine of $10,000 and a mandatory minimum sentence of 60 days. - Amends TCA Title 39, Chapter 13.

HB 2618 increases penalties for assaulting first responders (like police and EMTs) in Tennessee, reclassifying it from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class E felony. The bill mandates a $10,000 fine and a 60-day minimum jail sentence with no early release for these offenses, effective July 1, 2026. It also separately increases penalties for assaults against nurses to a Class A misdemeanor with a $5,000 fine and 30-day minimum sentence. The bill directly affects individuals convicted of assaulting these specific professions by imposing stricter financial and incarceration requirements.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeMandates felony penalties with mandatory minimums for assaulting first responders, increasing criminalization and restricting defendant rights through no early release.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Policing Violent Crime

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in committee · Tennessee · House Mar 10, 2026

HB 2245: State Inmates - As introduced, requires the department of correction to keep a copy of each validated risk and needs assessment of each inmate under its supervision and control for the duration of the inmate's period of incarceration. - Amends TCA Title 41.

HB 2245 requires Tennessee's Department of Correction to maintain a copy of each validated risk and needs assessment for every inmate under its supervision throughout their entire incarceration. This bill directly affects all state inmates by mandating that the department retain these specific assessment records. The key provision is the permanent retention of validated assessments, amending Tennessee Code Annotated Title 41 to ensure these documents remain available for the full duration of an inmate's sentence. The bill focuses on administrative record-keeping without creating new policies or altering inmate rights.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates retention of risk assessments to inform rehabilitation programs, directly supporting criminal justice reform goals like recidivism reduction.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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failed · Tennessee · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 2619: Sentencing - As introduced, increases from one year to three years the amount of time a defendant receiving a split sentence of confinement and probation may be required to serve a portion of the sentence in continuous confinement in the local jail or workhouse; specifies that the state is responsible for all costs of incarceration after the first year. - Amends TCA Title 40 and Title 41.

SB 2619 changes Tennessee sentencing rules for defendants receiving a split sentence (part jail time, part probation). It increases the required continuous jail time from one year to three years for such cases, and specifies that the state must cover all jail costs after the first year. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Sections 40-35-306 and 40-35-314 to implement these changes. This directly affects criminal defendants in Tennessee who are sentenced to split confinement and probation. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeIncreases mandatory jail time from 1 to 3 years for split sentences, reducing judicial discretion and defendant rights per criminal justice reform indicators.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole Sentencing

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in committee · Tennessee · Senate May 18, 2026

SB 2178: Criminal Offenses - As enacted, increases the penalty for patronizing prostitution from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class B or Class A felony under certain circumstances that are currently punished as trafficking for a commercial sex act. - Amends TCA Title 39, Chapter 13.

SB 2178 increases penalties for buying sex (patronizing prostitution) in specific situations. It upgrades the offense to a Class B felony if the person bought sex from a law enforcement officer posing as a minor or someone with an intellectual disability, and to a Class A felony if the person was a minor under 18. The bill also adds a minimum 7-day jail term and $1,000 fine for buying sex within 1.5 miles of a school. These changes directly affect individuals who engage in buying sex from vulnerable groups or near schools, raising penalties from misdemeanor to felony levels.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeIncreases penalties for patronizing prostitution to felony levels, expanding criminalization and harsher sentencing without reform elements.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Human Trafficking Law Enforcement

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