Criminal Justice

signed · Tennessee · House Apr 24, 2026

HB 1871: Criminal Offenses - As enacted, requires a person convicted of second degree murder by knowingly killing another to be sentenced as no lower than a Range II offender. - Amends TCA Section 39-13-210 and Title 40.

HB 1871 amends Tennessee law to require that anyone convicted of second-degree murder (specifically for knowingly killing another) must receive a minimum sentence of Range II, the second-lowest sentencing range for criminal offenses. This directly affects individuals convicted of second-degree murder under the specified circumstances, setting a floor for their sentencing. The bill changes sentencing guidelines by prohibiting judges from imposing a sentence below Range II for these convictions, though sentences could still fall within Range III if deemed appropriate. The law applies to offenses committed on or after July 1, 2026.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill mandates minimum Range II sentencing for second-degree murder convictions, restricting judicial discretion and increasing mandatory sentences per TCA amendments.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Sentencing

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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in committee · Tennessee · Senate Apr 24, 2026

SB 1930: Criminal Offenses - As enacted, requires a person convicted of second degree murder by knowingly killing another to be sentenced as no lower than a Range II offender. - Amends TCA Section 39-13-210 and Title 40.

SB 1930 amends Tennessee law to require that anyone convicted of second-degree murder (specifically for knowingly killing another) receive a minimum sentence as a Range II offender. This means judges cannot sentence such offenders below the standard Range II sentencing level, though sentences could still fall within Range III if warranted. The bill applies to offenses committed on or after July 1, 2026, and directly affects individuals convicted of second-degree murder in Tennessee. It changes the sentencing minimum without altering the maximum penalties for this crime.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeRequires minimum Range II sentencing for second-degree murder, restricting judicial discretion and increasing mandatory sentences per bill's explicit language.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Sentencing

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in committee · Tennessee · Senate Feb 2, 2026

SB 1867: Evidence - As introduced, permits the introduction into evidence of a video recording of a child victim being interviewed by a forensic interviewer regarding sexual or physically violent contact with the child if the forensic interviewer is an employee of the department of children's services and meets certain requirements. - Amends TCA Title 9, Chapter 4, Part 2 and Title 24, Chapter 7, Part 1.

SB 1867 allows video recordings of child victims' interviews conducted by Department of Children's Services employees to be used as evidence in court, specifically for cases involving sexual or physical violence. The recordings are admissible only if the interview was supervised by a qualifying child advocacy center meeting specific standards and the interviewer meets all required qualifications. This law applies directly to child abuse cases in Tennessee, modifying evidence rules under Titles 9 and 24 of the Tennessee Code. The provision expires on July 1, 2031, and takes effect July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeAllows child victim interview videos as admissible evidence in abuse cases, streamlining court proceedings and reducing trauma for victims, enhancing victim-centered justice in criminal cases.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

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failed · Tennessee · House Feb 18, 2026

HB 1745: Election Laws - As introduced, restores a person's right of suffrage automatically upon the person's discharge from custody by reason of service or expiration of the maximum sentence imposed by the court for the infamous crime. - Amends TCA Title 2 and Title 40.

HB 1745 automatically restores voting rights for Tennessee residents convicted of an "infamous crime" upon their release from prison or when their maximum sentence expires. It directly affects individuals who have completed sentences for such convictions, eliminating the need for a governor's pardon or special conditions to regain voting eligibility. The bill amends Tennessee law to remove current disqualifications for those no longer incarcerated for these crimes, requiring county election commissions to accept prison discharge documentation as proof of restored rights. This change applies to both state and federal convictions that would qualify as infamous crimes under Tennessee law.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRestores voting rights for formerly incarcerated individuals post-sentence, advancing criminal justice reform by promoting reintegration and civil rights without requiring gubernatorial action.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Civil Rights Corrections Courts

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in committee · Tennessee · House May 27, 2026

HB 1757: Criminal Offenses - As enacted, creates an offense of recklessly discharging a firearm into the air, ground, a body of water, or an object in close proximity to the person if the firearm is discharged at a place of public gathering or at a public event where there are at least 25 people in attendance at the time of the discharge; punishes the offense as a Class A misdemeanor; specifies certain exceptions to the offense. - Amends TCA Title 39.

HB 1757 creates a new Class A misdemeanor offense for recklessly discharging a firearm into the air, ground, water, or an object near people at public gatherings or events with at least 25 attendees. It directly affects individuals who recklessly fire guns in these settings, such as during concerts, sports events, or festivals. Key exceptions include law enforcement officers acting in duty, military personnel, wildlife officers, and situations involving self-defense against animal attacks. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026, and amends Tennessee Code Annotated Title 39.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeCreates new Class A misdemeanor for reckless firearm discharge at public gatherings, expanding criminalization without reform indicators like reduced sentences or enhanced rights.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms Law Enforcement

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died · Tennessee · House May 4, 2026

HB 2078: Courts - As enacted, enacts the "Parental Rights Protection Act." - Amends TCA Title 36, Chapter 8 and Title 40, Chapter 11.

HB 2078, the "Parental Rights Protection Act," requires courts to hold a quick court review within 15 days if a criminal defendant's bond restricts their contact with, custody of, or visitation with a minor child (who isn't a victim of the crime). The government must prove, with clear evidence, that a serious threat to the child exists, less restrictive options won't work, and the restriction is truly in the child's best interest. If the court doesn't hold the review on time, the bond condition automatically cancels. The bill also presumes that parental contact is generally in a child's best interest. This directly affects criminal defendants in Tennessee facing bond conditions involving their children.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires courts to justify bond restrictions on parental contact with evidence, protecting defendants' rights and ensuring due process per criminal justice reform principles.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

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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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signed · Tennessee · House May 15, 2026

HB 1649: Criminal Offenses - As enacted, enacts "Matthew Davenport's Law," which creates certain criminal offenses and testing requirements related to Kratom. - Amends TCA Title 33, Chapter 2; Title 38; Title 39; Title 50; Title 63 and Title 68.

HB 1649, known as "Matthew Davenport's Law," makes it illegal to possess, manufacture, deliver, or sell Kratom (including synthetic versions) in Tennessee, with penalties ranging from a Class A misdemeanor for possession to a Class B felony for selling to minors. The bill requires medical examiners to test decedents who died of suspected drug overdoses for Kratom, and mandates doctors to include Kratom testing in cases of suspected overdose or neonatal withdrawal symptoms in newborns. It also adds Kratom to the state’s definition of "drug" for regulatory purposes. The law takes effect on July 1, 2026, directly affecting individuals using Kratom, medical professionals, and law enforcement.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeExpands criminalization of Kratom via new offenses and penalties, increasing legal restrictions without reform elements.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Law Enforcement

in committee · Tennessee · Senate Mar 25, 2026

SB 1976: Law Enforcement - As introduced, requires a law enforcement agency that uses body cameras to adopt a written policy for the use of the cameras by its law enforcement officers; establishes certain requirements for the policies. - Amends TCA Title 38, Chapter 1.

SB 1976 requires Tennessee law enforcement agencies using body cameras to create written policies governing their use. The policies must mandate officers activate cameras during calls for service and public encounters (except during immediate threats), keep them on until the interaction ends, and notify people being recorded. Exceptions include asking occupants before entering homes without a warrant, victims of domestic abuse or sexual assault, and anonymous crime reporters if they request the camera be turned off. The bill directly affects all Tennessee police departments and officers using body cameras, ensuring consistent recording practices while protecting privacy in specific sensitive situations.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires body camera policies mandating activation during interactions, enhancing officer accountability and transparency in law enforcement, directly aligning with criminal justice reform indicators.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Law Enforcement Policing

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