Criminal Justice (Courts)

in committee · Tennessee · House Mar 11, 2026

HB 1475: Evidence - As introduced, prohibits a court from excluding evidence against a criminal defendant unless the evidence was obtained by deliberate, reckless, or grossly negligent conduct or recurring or systemic negligence that violated the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution and refusal to suppress the evidence would contradict a clearly established holding of the United States supreme court; establishes an immediate interlocutory appeal to the Tennessee supreme court when a court grants a motion to suppress evidence. - Amends TCA Title 40.

HB 1475 limits when Tennessee courts can exclude evidence in criminal cases. It prohibits excluding evidence unless it was obtained through deliberate, reckless, or grossly negligent conduct violating the Fourth Amendment, or recurring/systemic negligence, and refusing to exclude it would contradict a clear U.S. Supreme Court ruling. The bill also creates an immediate appeal for prosecutors to the Tennessee Supreme Court when a judge suppresses evidence, requiring the court to expedite the review. This aligns Tennessee's evidence rules strictly with federal standards, preventing state courts from imposing stricter exclusion rules than those set by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeRestricts evidence suppression, reducing defendant rights in criminal cases by limiting when courts can exclude illegally obtained evidence.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Judges

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signed · Tennessee · House May 15, 2026

HB 1525: Sentencing - As enacted, requires a sentencing court to order the sentences for two or more offenses involving more than one minor victim to run consecutively unless the court finds by a preponderance of the evidence that the facts of the case do not warrant the imposition of consecutive sentences and the imposition of consecutive sentences would not be in the best interest of justice. - Amends TCA Title 40.

HB 1525 requires Tennessee courts to impose consecutive sentences for defendants convicted of two or more offenses involving more than one minor victim, unless the court finds by a preponderance of evidence that consecutive sentencing isn't warranted and would harm justice. It directly affects defendants convicted of multiple crimes against minors, such as sexual offenses or abuse across separate incidents. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Title 40, Section 40-35-115, making consecutive sentencing the default for these cases. Exceptions are limited to specific judicial findings about case facts and the "best interest of justice," not general discretion. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, for offenses committed on or after that date.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeMandates consecutive sentences for multiple minor offenses, increasing penalties and restricting judicial discretion per TCA 40-35-115.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Sentencing

in committee · Tennessee · House Feb 4, 2026

HB 1953: Criminal Offenses - As introduced, removes from the offense of violation of a protective order or restraining order the requirement that the person violating the order must have had an opportunity to appear and be heard in connection with the order of protection or restraining order and that the court must have made specific findings of fact in the order that the person committed a certain offense. - Amends TCA Title 36 and Title 39.

HB 1953 modifies Tennessee's legal standards for violations of protective or restraining orders. It removes two specific requirements: that the person violating the order must have had a prior court hearing opportunity, and that the court must have made detailed factual findings about the violation in the original order. This change simplifies the legal process for prosecuting violations, directly affecting individuals accused of breaching such orders and the courts enforcing them. The bill amends Tennessee Code sections 39-13-113 and 39-17-1316, taking effect July 1, 2026. It focuses on procedural adjustments to enforcement, not substantive policy changes.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeRemoves procedural safeguards (prior hearing requirement, factual findings) for protective order violations, reducing defendant due process and expanding prosecutorial authority, aligning with 'oppose' indicators.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Domestic Violence

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in committee · Tennessee · Senate Apr 20, 2026

SB 1929: 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.

SB 1929 requires individuals convicted of conspiracy, attempt, or solicitation to commit certain serious offenses to serve 100% of their sentence without reduction credits (like good time). It expands the existing list of offenses subject to this rule to include these preparatory acts for the same crimes already mandated to have full sentences. The law applies only to offenses committed on or after July 1, 2026, and does not change the underlying offenses that trigger the rule. This policy change affects people convicted of these specific preparatory acts for the designated crimes.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeExpands mandatory 100% sentencing without credits for conspiracy/attempt, restricting defendant rights and increasing punishment for preparatory acts.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Sentencing

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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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in committee · Tennessee · Senate Apr 27, 2026

SB 1779: Immigration - As enacted, creates the Class A misdemeanor of intentionally failing or refusing to depart when a final order of removal is outstanding; creates the Class A misdemeanor of intentionally entering, attempting to enter, or being found in this state after being denied admission, excluded, deported, or removed from the United States. - Amends TCA Title 4; Title 7; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40 and Title 41.

SB 1779 creates two new Class A misdemeanor offenses in Tennessee related to immigration status. It makes it illegal for individuals with a final removal order to remain in the state beyond 90 days without departing, and for those previously denied entry, deported, or removed to re-enter the state without federal consent. The bill would impose penalties including up to 11 months in jail for these violations, with courts required to stay criminal proceedings if the person is still challenging the federal removal order through legal channels. The law’s implementation is delayed until after a U.S. Supreme Court decision overturns *Arizona v. United States* (2012) or federal law explicitly allows states to determine unlawful presence, with full effect scheduled for July 1, 2026.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeCreates new criminal offenses for immigration status violations, imposing jail time and expanding criminalization of immigration matters, aligning with 'oppose' indicators of expanding criminalization.95% confidence ✗ ImmigrationOpposes ImmigrationCreates Class A misdemeanors for immigrants with removal orders or denied entry, imposing jail time and increasing state enforcement against undocumented individuals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Courts Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

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in committee · Tennessee · Senate May 15, 2026

SB 1633: Sentencing - As enacted, requires a sentencing court to order the sentences for two or more offenses involving more than one minor victim to run consecutively unless the court finds by a preponderance of the evidence that the facts of the case do not warrant the imposition of consecutive sentences and the imposition of consecutive sentences would not be in the best interest of justice. - Amends TCA Title 40.

SB 1633 requires Tennessee courts to impose consecutive sentences for defendants convicted of two or more offenses involving more than one minor victim, unless the court finds by a preponderance of evidence that consecutive sentences aren't warranted and wouldn't harm justice. This applies to all cases with multiple minor victims, regardless of whether the offenses occurred together. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, for offenses committed on or after that date. It directly affects defendants convicted of multiple crimes against minors and sentencing courts, changing how they handle sentencing for these cases. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Title 40, Section 40-35-115.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill mandates consecutive sentences for multiple minor victim offenses, increasing sentencing severity and opposing criminal justice reform trends that reduce mandatory harsh penalties.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Sentencing

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signed · Tennessee · House Apr 27, 2026

HB 1704: Immigration - As enacted, creates the Class A misdemeanor of intentionally failing or refusing to depart when a final order of removal is outstanding; creates the Class A misdemeanor of intentionally entering, attempting to enter, or being found in this state after being denied admission, excluded, deported, or removed from the United States. - Amends TCA Title 4; Title 7; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40 and Title 41.

HB 1704 would create two Class A misdemeanors in Tennessee: (1) intentionally failing to leave the state within 90 days after a final federal removal order, and (2) intentionally re-entering the state after being denied admission, excluded, deported, or removed by federal authorities. It directly affects undocumented immigrants subject to federal removal orders or denied entry, making certain immigration status violations criminal offenses. The bill requires courts to pause criminal proceedings until individuals exhaust all federal legal options to challenge the removal order. The law’s key provisions are conditional, with Section 2 (re-entry offense) only taking effect after specific federal court decisions or legislative changes affecting state immigration authority.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeCriminalizes immigration status violations, expanding criminalization of non-violent acts and increasing criminal justice system involvement for immigration matters.95% confidence ✗ ImmigrationOpposes ImmigrationCreates Class A misdemeanors for failing to depart after removal order or re-entering post-removal, increasing state-level immigration enforcement against undocumented immigrants.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

signed · Tennessee · Senate May 18, 2026

SB 1945: Bail, Bail Bonds - As enacted, allows the court to temporarily revoke a defendant's bond and order the defendant held without bail for no more than 10 days pending a bail revocation hearing if the defendant violates a condition of release, is charged with an offense committed during the defendant's release, or engages in conduct that results in the obstruction of the orderly and expeditious progress of the trial. - Amends TCA Title 40, Chapter 11.

SB 1945 amends Tennessee's bail laws to allow courts to temporarily revoke a defendant's bond and order them held without bail for up to 10 days if they violate release conditions, commit a new offense while released, or disrupt trial proceedings. This directly affects defendants who are already on bail but breach their release terms. The bill requires courts to issue a written order and schedule a hearing before imposing the temporary hold, with a separate hearing needed for permanent bond revocation. The change modifies existing procedures under Tennessee Code Annotated Title 40, Chapter 11, without creating new offenses or penalties.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeRestricts defendant rights by enabling temporary detention without bail for violations, opposing reform efforts to reduce pretrial detention.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

in committee · Tennessee · House May 18, 2026

HB 1980: Bail, Bail Bonds - As enacted, allows the court to temporarily revoke a defendant's bond and order the defendant held without bail for no more than 10 days pending a bail revocation hearing if the defendant violates a condition of release, is charged with an offense committed during the defendant's release, or engages in conduct that results in the obstruction of the orderly and expeditious progress of the trial. - Amends TCA Title 40, Chapter 11.

HB 1980 amends Tennessee's bail law to allow courts to temporarily revoke a defendant's bond and hold them without bail for up to 10 days if they violate release conditions, commit a new crime while out, or obstruct court proceedings. This temporary hold requires a written court order and a hearing within the 10-day period. If violations are confirmed at the hearing, the court may permanently revoke bail, requiring the defendant to remain in custody until trial. The bill directly affects defendants released on bail who breach their conditions, changing existing procedures for managing such cases.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill restricts defendant rights by enabling temporary bail revocation for violations, increasing pretrial detention without reform focus, aligning with 'reduces defendant rights' indicator.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

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