Criminal Justice (Victims' Rights)

in committee · Tennessee · Senate Apr 20, 2026

SB 1928: 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.

SB 1928 updates Tennessee law to clarify who qualifies as a "victim" in criminal cases. It adds victims and their representatives to court procedures (e.g., allowing a victim’s designated representative to attend proceedings), expands the definition to include entities like insurance companies that compensated victims, and specifies protections for victims in cases involving vehicular homicide or evading arrest that caused injury. This directly affects crime victims seeking legal protections during court proceedings. The bill makes these definitions more explicit to ensure victims’ voices are heard in the judicial process.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeExpands victim protections by clarifying definitions, allowing representatives to attend proceedings, and including entities like insurance companies, directly strengthening victim-centered criminal justice95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Victims' Rights Violent Crime

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in committee · Tennessee · House May 27, 2026

HB 2023: Victims' Rights - As enacted, authorizes a court clerk to increase the victims assistance assessment from $45 to $125, with the first $15 of each assessment being paid to the court clerk for processing and handling and the remaining amount being transmitted to the county in which the offense occurred for the exclusive use of the victims assistance program previously designated by the county legislative body. - Amends TCA Section 40-24-109.

HB 2023 increases the victims assistance assessment fee from $45 to $125 for individuals convicted of or pleading guilty to criminal offenses in Tennessee courts. The first $15 of the fee goes to the court clerk for processing costs, while the remaining $110 is directed to county-designated victim assistance programs. This change applies to all criminal cases where a defendant enters a guilty plea, is found guilty, enters a nolo contendere plea, or is found criminally responsible for qualifying offenses. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 40-24-109, to implement this funding shift without altering eligibility for victim services.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesIncreases victims' assessment fee to fund county victim assistance programs, directly allocating $110 per case to public services.95% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeIncreases victim assistance funding from $45 to $125, directing $110 to county victim programs, directly strengthening victims' rights within criminal justice system.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Victims' Rights

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signed · Tennessee · House May 27, 2025

HB 1314: Criminal Offenses - As enacted, creates the criminal offense of threatening to commit an act of mass violence; creates the criminal offense of posting on a publicly accessible website the telephone number or home address of an individual with the intent to cause harm or a threat of harm to the individual or a member of the individual's family or household. - Amends TCA Title 39, Chapter 13, Part 8 and Title 39, Chapter 17, Part 3.

HB 1314 creates two new criminal offenses in Tennessee. First, it makes it a felony (Class E or D depending on circumstances) to recklessly threaten mass violence (defined as an act likely to cause serious harm to four or more people), especially if targeting schools, government buildings, or events. Second, it creates a misdemeanor (Class B or A) for posting someone’s home address or phone number online with the intent to cause harm to them or their family. The law applies to all individuals, including threats made via social media or text, but excludes public officials acting within their legal duties. Violators may face prison time and be ordered to pay restitution for disruptions caused by their threats.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeExpands criminalization by creating new offenses for threats and doxxing, increasing penalties without reform elements or protections.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Victims' Rights

died · Tennessee · House Apr 28, 2026

HB 1273: Criminal Offenses - As enacted, clarifies, for purposes of criminal offenses relative to threats of mass violence on school property or at a school-related activity or failing to report such threats, that a threat of mass violence is credible if the threat causes another to reasonably expect the commission of an act of mass violence. - Amends TCA Title 39.

HB 1273 creates a new felony charge for recklessly threatening mass violence against child care centers, preschools, or religious institutions, and a misdemeanor for failing to report such threats. The law requires immediate reporting of threats to both local law enforcement and the affected institution, with specific details needed in the report. Violators face penalties including up to 6 years in prison for the felony threat and up to 6 months for failing to report. The bill defines "property" to include buildings and grounds of these institutions and mandates restitution for disruption caused by threats.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeCreates new felony/misdemeanor for threats against institutions, increasing criminal penalties and expanding criminalization per indicators.92% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill strengthens school safety by criminalizing threats of mass violence, directly protecting students and educational institutions.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Law Enforcement Victims' Rights

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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 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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