Criminal Justice (Courts)

signed · Tennessee · Senate May 5, 2026

SB 2197: Expunction - As enacted, permits a court to expunge certain violent offenses for which a person has been pardoned; requires the court to consider, in weighing the best interests of justice and public safety, whether the offense sought to be expunged was violent and any other relevant factors presented by the petitioner and the district attorney general. - Amends TCA Title 40.

SB 2197 allows courts to expunge certain violent offenses from a person's record after they've received a pardon, directly affecting individuals who have been pardoned for specific crimes. The bill amends Tennessee law to remove the previous requirement that expungement petitions be limited to "nonviolent" offenses, instead requiring courts to specifically consider whether the offense sought for expungement was violent (such as murder, aggravated kidnapping, or sexual offenses involving minors). Courts must weigh the best interests of justice and public safety, including factors presented by both the petitioner and the district attorney general, when deciding such petitions. This creates a rebuttable presumption in favor of expungement for non-violent offenses while adding a specific review step for violent offenses.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRemoves nonviolent restriction for expungement post-pardon, aiding rehabilitation and reducing recidivism by allowing courts to consider violent offenses on a case-by-case basis.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

in committee · Tennessee · House Mar 11, 2026

HB 2622: Expunction - As introduced, extends the time period within which a court ordering the expunction of a person's public records of a criminal offense must send a copy of the expunction order to the Tennessee bureau of investigation from 30 days to 45 days. - Amends TCA Section 8-21-401 and Title 40.

HB 2622 amends Tennessee law to extend the deadline for courts ordering criminal record expungements from 30 to 45 days. This change requires courts to send expunction orders to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) within 45 days instead of 30 days after issuing the order. The bill directly affects individuals seeking to clear criminal records, as it provides courts with additional time to process and notify the TBI. This is a procedural adjustment to existing expungement rules under TCA Section 8-21-401 and Title 40, with no new eligibility criteria or substantive changes to the expungement process.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeExtends expunction deadline to facilitate record clearance, aiding criminal justice reform by reducing barriers for individuals with past convictions to reintegrate.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

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in committee · Tennessee · House Mar 25, 2026

HB 2439: Safety, Dept. of - As introduced, enacts the “Oral-Fluid DUI Testing and Evidence-Based Enforcement Safeguards Act." - Amends TCA Title 55, Chapter 10, Part 4.

HB 2439 establishes new rules for law enforcement use of oral-fluid testing in DUI cases. It requires officers to use only approved devices, document specific driving-related reasons for testing (not general suspicion), and complete quality checks before each use. The bill mandates that screening results cannot be used as evidence in court or for license suspension without a confirmatory lab test conducted by an accredited facility. It also requires agencies to preserve samples for independent retesting and disclose all relevant records to defendants. This bill directly affects police officers conducting DUI investigations, defendants in DUI cases, and laboratories performing confirmatory tests.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates confirmatory lab tests for DUI evidence, requires specific officer justification, and preserves samples - enhancing evidentiary standards and defendant rights in criminal proceedings.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill mandates evidence-based DUI testing protocols to improve road safety enforcement accuracy, directly enhancing transportation safety standards.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Law Enforcement Policing Driver Licensing Traffic Safety Vehicle Registration

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in committee · Tennessee · Senate Mar 25, 2026

SB 2380: Criminal Procedure - As introduced, allows a misdemeanor offender to petition to have the offender's criminal history records sealed after completion of all requirements of sentencing and at least five years without being convicted of a new offense; excludes domestic assault and driving under the influence from eligibility to be sealed. - Amends TCA Title 39 and Title 40.

SB 2380 allows individuals convicted of most misdemeanor offenses in Tennessee to petition a court to seal their criminal history records after completing all sentencing requirements (like paying fines or finishing probation) and going five years without a new conviction. This applies to offenses like theft or disorderly conduct but excludes domestic assault and driving under the influence (DUI). To seal records, petitioners must pay a $500 fee, and sealed records remain accessible for firearm background checks, health department registries for vulnerable adult abuse, and law enforcement officer qualifications. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, and if a person with sealed records is convicted of a new offense (other than minor traffic), the seal is lifted.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill enables record sealing for non-violent misdemeanor offenders after 5 years, reducing barriers to employment/housing and promoting rehabilitation - key criminal justice reform goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Firearms Law Enforcement

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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 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 Mar 30, 2026

SB 1845: Clerks, Court - As enacted, requires a person ordered to use an ignition interlock device to provide the clerk of the court with documentation showing qualifications for certain assistance on the date the person was ordered to use the device to show need to participate in the electronic monitoring indigency fund. - Amends TCA Section 55-10-419.

SB 1845 requires people ordered to use an ignition interlock device (for DUI offenses) to provide the court clerk with documentation proving they qualify for financial assistance from specific state or federal programs on the date they were ordered to use the device. This applies directly to individuals facing financial barriers to accessing ignition interlock services. The bill adds a mechanism where the state treasurer must work with agencies to verify eligibility through memoranda of understanding, and providers must submit this documentation to the state treasurer. It does not change eligibility criteria but streamlines verification for the electronic monitoring indigency fund.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRemoves financial barriers for DUI offenders to access ignition interlock services, promoting equitable compliance with court orders and reducing recidivism risk.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

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in committee · Tennessee · House Mar 25, 2026

HB 2001: Criminal Offenses - As introduced, adds as an affirmative defense to the offense of criminal exposure of another to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), proof by a preponderance of the evidence that a person infected with HIV was in compliance with a treatment regime prescribed by the person's healthcare provider to medically suppress the risk of HIV transmission. - Amends TCA Title 39, Chapter 13.

HB 2001 modifies Tennessee's criminal law for HIV exposure by adding a new defense for people with HIV who are charged with criminal exposure. If a person with HIV can prove they were following their healthcare provider's prescribed treatment to medically suppress transmission risk, this becomes a valid defense in court. The defense must be proven by showing it is more likely than not true (a "preponderance of evidence"). This directly affects individuals with HIV facing criminal charges related to potential exposure, changing how such cases are evaluated under current law.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeAdds defense for HIV+ individuals complying with treatment, reducing criminal charges for non-transmission, aligns with reform by protecting defendant rights.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

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in committee · Tennessee · House Jan 15, 2026

HB 1554: Criminal Procedure - As introduced, removes the requirement for a petitioner for restoration of citizenship or an applicant for a certificate of employability to pay the costs of the proceedings; makes other changes to the process for restoration of citizenship. - Amends TCA Title 40, Chapter 29.

HB 1554 eliminates fees for individuals seeking to restore citizenship rights or obtain a certificate of employability in Tennessee. Specifically, it removes the requirement for petitioners to pay court costs related to citizenship restoration proceedings and employability applications under Tennessee law. The bill amends multiple sections of state code (40-29-103 and 40-29-107) to delete cost-related provisions and redundant language like "certified." This change directly affects people, including formerly incarcerated individuals seeking voting rights or employment clearances, by reducing financial barriers to these processes. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRemoves financial barriers for citizenship restoration and employability, aiding reintegration and reducing recidivism per criminal justice reform indicators.95% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationRemoves fees for citizenship restoration and employability certificates, reducing financial barriers for immigrants seeking legal status and rights.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Civil Rights Courts Citizenship & Naturalization

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in committee · Tennessee · House Jan 21, 2026

HB 1636: 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.

HB 1636 allows video recordings of child victims interviewed by forensic interviewers to be used as evidence in court. The bill specifically permits this when the interviewer is a Department of Children's Services (DCS) employee who meets certain qualifications and conducts interviews under a qualifying child advocacy center. It amends Tennessee evidence law to establish these requirements for admissibility. The provision expires on July 1, 2031, and applies only to cases involving sexual or physical violence against children. This directly affects court proceedings involving child victims and the evidence standards for DCS-employed interviewers.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeAllows child victim interview videos as admissible evidence under DCS qualifications, reducing retraumatization and improving court efficiency in sexual/physical violence cases.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

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