Criminal Justice (Sentencing)

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 Apr 15, 2026

HB 2465: Criminal Procedure - As introduced, adds to the list of certain offenses required to be served at 100 percent of the sentence imposed by the court undiminished by any sentence reduction credits, the attempt, conspiracy, or solicitation to commit those offenses. - Amends TCA Section 40-35-501.

HB 2465 amends Tennessee Code Annotated Section 40-35-501 to require individuals convicted of certain serious offenses to serve 100% of their sentence without any sentence reduction credits. The bill specifically adds conspiracy, criminal attempt, and solicitation related to the offenses already listed in the statute (such as violent crimes and certain drug offenses) to the category of crimes where full sentences apply. This policy change directly affects individuals convicted of these specific offenses who would otherwise qualify for sentence credits through programs like good behavior or rehabilitation. The law will take effect July 1, 2026, for offenses committed on or after that date.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill mandates 100% sentence serving without credits for serious offenses, increasing mandatory sentencing and reducing defendant rights per TCA 40-35-501 amendments.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Sentencing

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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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introduced · Tennessee · House Feb 5, 2026

HB 2203: Jails, Local Lock-ups - As introduced, requires the monthly report of the warden of a county workhouse for each prisoner placed under a work release program to be filed with the judge by whom the prisoner was sentenced on or before the fifteenth day of the month immediately following the reporting period. - Amends TCA Title 5; Title 40 and Title 41.

HB 2203 requires county workhouse wardens to submit monthly reports to the sentencing judge about each prisoner in a work release program. The report, due by the 15th of the following month, must detail the prisoner's conduct and financial progress during the program. This affects county workhouse staff (who must file reports) and sentencing judges (who receive them). The bill amends Tennessee law to add this reporting requirement, focusing on transparency for judges overseeing work release participation.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates judicial oversight of work release programs via monthly reports, enhancing transparency and accountability in rehabilitation efforts, aligning with reform indicators.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Judges Sentencing

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in committee · Tennessee · House Apr 15, 2026

HB 2367: Criminal Offenses - As introduced, adds "a victim" to the definition of an individual involved in the judicial process for purposes of the criminal offense of harming or threatening to harm an individual involved in the judicial process; makes various other changes regarding victims of crime. - Amends TCA Title 29; Title 39 and Title 40.

HB 2367 expands the legal definition of "victim" in Tennessee criminal law to include insurance companies that compensated victims and law enforcement agencies that spent funds on investigations. It also explicitly allows victims (or their representatives) to attend court proceedings related to their case, beyond the state's designated witness. The bill specifically adds certain offenses - like evading arrest causing serious injury/death and vehicular homicide - to the list where victim impact is considered during sentencing. These changes directly affect crime victims, their representatives, insurance providers, and law enforcement agencies involved in criminal cases. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeExpands victim definition to include insurers/law enforcement and mandates victim participation in court, enhancing victim protections in criminal proceedings.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Sentencing Victims' Rights Violent Crime

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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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signed · Tennessee · Senate May 27, 2026

SB 1909: Courts - As enacted, removes a conviction for domestic assault from the definition of a violent offender for purposes of drug treatment courts; changes the definition of a violent offender for purposes of drug treatment courts from an offender with a conviction for an offense involving certain acts to an offender with a conviction for a felony offense involving certain acts within the previous 10 years. - Amends TCA Title 16, Chapter 22.

SB 1909 changes eligibility rules for Tennessee's drug treatment courts by revising the definition of a "violent offender." It removes convictions for domestic assault from being considered a violent offense that disqualifies someone from these courts, while requiring that a disqualifying violent offense must now be a felony committed within the past 10 years. This means individuals previously barred due to a domestic assault conviction (but without a recent felony violent offense) may now qualify for drug treatment court instead of standard criminal sentencing. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated § 16-22-103 and takes effect July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRemoves domestic assault convictions from violent offender definition for drug treatment courts, expanding eligibility for rehabilitation programs and aligning with criminal justice reform goals.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRemoves domestic assault conviction barrier for drug treatment courts, improving access to substance abuse healthcare services.80% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Sentencing Violent Crime

in committee · Tennessee · Senate Apr 20, 2026

SB 1736: Sentencing - As introduced, increases the penalty for leaving the scene of an accident resulting in injury from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class E felony; increases the penalty for leaving the scene of an accident that the person knew or should reasonably have known resulted in death from a Class E felony to a Class D felony. - Amends TCA Title 39, Chapter 13 and Title 55, Chapter 10.

SB 1736 (the "James Bardsley Life Protection Act") raises penalties for drivers who flee accident scenes. It upgrades the penalty for leaving an accident causing injury from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class E felony. For accidents where death was known or should have been known, it increases the penalty from a Class E felony to a Class D felony. The bill directly affects drivers who fail to stop after collisions, amending Tennessee law in Titles 39 and 55, and takes effect July 1, 2026.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeIncreases penalties for fleeing accident scenes, expanding criminalization and harsher sentencing per bill language, aligning with 'oppose' indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Sentencing

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signed · Tennessee · Senate May 27, 2026

SB 1602: Sentencing - As enacted, enacts the "James Bardsley, Jr. Life Protection Act." - Amends TCA Title 39, Chapter 13 and Title 55, Chapter 10.

SB 1602 increases penalties for drivers who leave the scene of an accident. If an accident causes injury, the penalty rises from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class E felony. If the driver knew or should have known death resulted, the penalty increases from a Class E felony to a Class D felony. This bill directly affects drivers involved in accidents where they fail to stop, amending Tennessee law to impose stricter criminal penalties for these actions. The changes will take effect on July 1, 2026.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeIncreases felony classifications for hit-and-run offenses, expanding criminalization and raising penalties per 'oppose' indicators of stricter sentencing.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Sentencing