Criminal Justice (Probation & Parole)

in committee · Tennessee · Senate Feb 5, 2026

SB 2303: Criminal Offenses - As introduced, creates an offense to knowingly inhale, ingest, use, or possess any compound, liquid, gas, or chemical that contains nitrous oxide. - Amends TCA Title 39; Title 57, Chapter 7; Title 63 and Title 67, Chapter 4, Part 10.

SB 2303 makes it a Class A misdemeanor to knowingly inhale, ingest, use, or possess nitrous oxide ("laughing gas") or amyl nitrite ("poppers") for non-exempt purposes. The law directly affects individuals who use these substances recreationally and businesses selling them, with penalties including fines and possible probation requiring drug rehabilitation. Exceptions exist for medical use (prescribed by a practitioner), industrial manufacturing, food service (as a propellant), and automotive uses, but flavored products or labeled containers create a legal presumption against these exceptions. The bill also imposes license suspensions for 30 days on businesses violating the law and revocation for repeat offenses, effective July 1, 2026.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeExpands criminalization by creating new misdemeanor offense for recreational nitrous oxide use, directly increasing criminal penalties without reform focus.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole

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in committee · Tennessee · House May 5, 2026

HB 2528: Private Protective Services - As enacted, adds stalking to the crimes for which an individual who has been convicted must have completed serving the individual's sentence or court-ordered probation at least five years prior to applying for a registration card to perform the duties of a security guard or officer; makes other changes related to security guards and officers. - Amends TCA Title 62, Chapter 35.

HB 2528 amends Tennessee's security guard licensing laws to add "stalking" to the list of crimes requiring applicants to complete all sentence or probation terms and wait at least five years before applying for a security guard registration. The bill directly affects individuals convicted of stalking who seek security guard positions, preventing them from applying until five years after their sentence or probation ends. Key provisions include requiring security guards to report arrests or convictions for listed offenses (like stalking) within 10 days to both the state commissioner and their employer, and adding new disqualifiers for individuals on abuse registries or prohibited from owning firearms. These changes strengthen background checks and reporting requirements for security personnel without altering existing rules for other offenses.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill restricts security guard licensing for stalking convicts by adding 5-year waiting period, directly limiting access to employment in criminal justice-adjacent roles.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Domestic Violence Probation & Parole

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in committee · Tennessee · House Apr 15, 2026

HB 2354: Sentencing - As introduced, makes the offense of sexual battery by an authority figure ineligible for probation. - Amends TCA Title 39 and Title 40.

HB 2354, introduced as House Bill 2354, changes sentencing for sexual battery committed by authority figures (such as teachers, coaches, or counselors) in Tennessee. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 39 (criminal procedure) and Title 40 (sentencing), specifically removing probation eligibility for this offense under Section 39-13-527. This means individuals convicted of sexual battery by an authority figure will no longer qualify for probation and must face other sentencing options. The law would take effect July 1, 2026, applying to offenses occurring on or after that date.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeRemoves probation eligibility for sexual battery by authority figures, increasing mandatory sentencing per amended TCA sections.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole Sentencing

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died · Tennessee · House Feb 2, 2026

HB 2033: Sentencing - As introduced, requires a sentencing court to order every convicted person to perform a certain number of community service hours in addition to any other punishment imposed for the criminal violation. - Amends TCA Title 40.

HB 2033, as introduced, would require Tennessee courts to mandate community service hours for most convicted individuals starting July 1, 2026. Felony convicts (excluding those sentenced to death, life without parole, or 100% prison time) would need to complete 80 hours, while misdemeanor convicts (excluding traffic offenses or fines-only cases) would need 40 hours. The service must be performed through approved organizations or programs, documented in writing, and verified by the court before probation or parole release. This bill would directly affect people convicted of non-exempt criminal offenses in Tennessee, adding a mandatory community service component to sentencing.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates community service as rehabilitative sentencing alternative, reducing incarceration and aligning with reform goals like recidivism reduction.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole Sentencing

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died · Tennessee · House Mar 10, 2026

HB 1832: 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.

HB 1832 modifies Tennessee's driver license rules to allow certain individuals to obtain a for-hire endorsement for Class D vehicles without meeting the standard two-year unrestricted driving requirement. It directly affects people who have completed incarceration for a conviction, currently hold a restricted license due to unpaid fines/court costs, and are making payments under a court-ordered plan. The key provision waives the driving experience requirement for these applicants, enabling them to qualify for the endorsement while ensuring they meet other standard criteria like age and vehicle ownership rules. This change aims to provide a pathway for reentry into commercial driving for a specific group facing barriers due to past legal issues and financial obligations.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill removes employment barrier for formerly incarcerated individuals by waiving driving requirement, promoting reentry and reducing recidivism, aligning with criminal justice reform.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Courts Probation & Parole Tags Licensing

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signed · Tennessee · Senate May 4, 2026

SB 1740: 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.

SB 1740 changes penalties for individuals under 21 who illegally purchase or possess tobacco, vaping, or nicotine products. For a first violation, courts may now require community service (up to 50 hours), completion of a court program about product dangers, or a 90-day informal adjustment. For second or subsequent violations, courts must add up to six months of probation (along with community service and the program). Parents or guardians of minors may face a $10-$50 civil penalty, and the law takes effect July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeShifts penalties to rehabilitation-focused alternatives (community service, education programs) for juvenile tobacco offenses, reducing punitive measures and aligning with criminal justice reform principles.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Juvenile Justice Probation & Parole

in committee · Tennessee · Senate Mar 25, 2026

SB 1977: 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.

SB 1977 (Tennessee Code Annotated § 40-35-311(h)) modifies probation rules for felony offenders who violate probation by committing a drug offense. It requires trial judges, for the first violation of this type, to order substance abuse treatment instead of revoking probation - based on a preponderance of evidence. This applies directly to individuals on probation for felony drug offenses who breach probation terms. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, and aims to prioritize treatment over immediate probation revocation for first-time violations.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill mandates substance abuse treatment over probation revocation for first drug-related violations, prioritizing rehabilitation and reducing punitive measures per criminal justice reform indicators.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates substance abuse treatment for first-time drug offense probation violations, prioritizing healthcare access over probation revocation per TCA §40-35-311(h).95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Judges Probation & Parole Substance Abuse

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in committee · Tennessee · House Mar 25, 2026

HB 1814: 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.

HB 1814 allows courts to let individuals convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) involving alcohol or opioids choose between two options: using a vehicle equipped with an ignition interlock device or receiving naltrexone injections for 12 months at their own expense. If the person opts for naltrexone, the court must include reporting requirements for the treatment as a probation condition, and failure to comply could lead to probation revocation. The bill directly affects DUI offenders in Tennessee who face sentencing for alcohol or opioid-related violations. It amends Tennessee law to provide this alternative to ignition interlock devices, effective July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill offers treatment (naltrexone) as alternative to punitive ignition interlock, promoting rehabilitation for DUI offenders with substance use, aligning with criminal justice reform indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Drug Policy Probation & Parole

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introduced · Tennessee · House Jan 21, 2026

HB 1638: 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.

HB 1638 extends the timeframe for the Tennessee Department of Correction to notify victims about parole hearings. It changes the deadline from 90 to 100 days after a court conviction for inmates eligible for parole consideration. This affects the Department of Correction (which must send notifications) and victim witness coordinators (who receive them). The bill amends Tennessee law to give the Department an extra 10 days for this notification process, effective July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeExtends victim notification timeline for parole hearings, enhancing victim rights and procedural transparency in criminal justice85% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Courts Probation & Parole

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in committee · Tennessee · Senate Mar 3, 2026

SB 1765: Probation and Parole - As introduced, permits a trial judge to revoke a defendant's probation for a felony or misdemeanor based on one instance of technical violation; extends the permitted terms of incarceration a court may impose for a technical violation to 90 days for a first revocation, 180 days for a second revocation, and the remainder of the sentence for a third or subsequent revocation. - Amends TCA Title 40.

SB 1765 allows Tennessee trial judges to revoke probation for felony or misdemeanor offenders based solely on a "technical violation" (like missing a check-in or failing a drug test), without requiring a new crime. For first or second revocations, judges can impose up to 90 or 180 days in jail, respectively; third or subsequent revocations may result in the full remaining sentence. The bill explicitly excludes new criminal offenses from this process, requiring separate handling under existing rules. It defines "technical violation" as breaking probation terms without committing a new crime, and offers community-based alternatives for resentence. This changes how courts handle probation breaches, focusing on minor rule violations rather than new offenses.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill expands incarceration for technical probation violations (e.g., missed check-ins), increasing mandatory jail terms without new crimes, restricting defendant rights and opposing reform efforts.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Courts Probation & Parole

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