Criminal Justice (Drug Policy)

in committee · Tennessee · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 1851: Firearms and Ammunition - As introduced, removes certain criminal offenses relative to the possession and carrying of firearms, including the offense of carrying a firearm with the intent to go armed if the person has been convicted of stalking or DUI in certain circumstances and the offense of possession of a firearm by a person under 25 if the person was adjudicated delinquent for certain offenses as a juvenile; removes the offense of possessing or carrying a weapon in a public park, playground, civic center, or other public recreational area; makes various other changes relative to the possession and carrying of firearms. - Amends TCA Title 16; Title 36; Title 37; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 49 and Title 65.

SB 1851 removes three specific criminal prohibitions related to firearm possession in Tennessee. It eliminates penalties for carrying a firearm with intent to go armed if someone has certain stalking or DUI convictions under defined circumstances. It also removes the ban on firearm possession for people under 25 who were adjudicated delinquent for specific juvenile offenses. Additionally, the bill repeals the prohibition against carrying weapons in public parks, playgrounds, and other recreational areas. These changes amend multiple sections of Tennessee's firearm laws (TCA Titles 16, 36-40, 49, and 65).

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRemoves firearm possession prohibitions for specific offenses, reducing criminalization and aligning with criminal justice reform goals by expanding rights for certain individuals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Drug Policy Firearms

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in committee · Tennessee · House May 27, 2026

HB 1471: 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.

HB 1471 amends Tennessee law to change the definition of a "violent offender" for drug treatment court eligibility. It removes convictions for domestic assault (if not a felony) from being counted as a violent offense, instead requiring a felony conviction for certain acts within the previous 10 years. This change would allow more individuals with non-felony domestic assault convictions to qualify for drug treatment courts. The amendment takes effect on July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill expands drug treatment court eligibility by removing non-felony domestic assault from violent offender definition, promoting rehabilitation over incarceration.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands access to drug treatment programs (a healthcare service) by removing non-felony domestic assault from violent offender definition, broadening eligibility for treatment courts.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Drug Policy Violent Crime

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in committee · Tennessee · House Mar 25, 2026

HB 1861: Probation and Parole - As introduced, specifies that if the trial judge finds by a preponderance of the evidence that the defendant has violated conditions of probation and suspension of sentence for a felony offense by engaging in conduct that constitutes a drug offense, then for the first instance of such a violation, the trial judge must order the defendant to attend a substance abuse treatment program and must not revoke the defendant's probation and suspension of sentence. - Amends TCA Title 40, Chapter 35.

HB 1861 modifies Tennessee's probation rules for felony offenders who violate probation by committing a drug offense. For a first-time violation involving a drug offense, the bill requires judges to order substance abuse treatment instead of revoking probation and suspension of sentence. The law applies when a judge finds by "more likely than not" evidence that the violation occurred. This change aims to prioritize treatment over punishment for initial drug-related probation breaches.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill mandates substance abuse treatment over probation revocation for first-time drug-related violations, prioritizing rehabilitation and reducing punitive measures in criminal justice reform.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates substance abuse treatment for first-time drug-related probation violations, directing offenders into healthcare services rather than punishment.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Judges Probation & Parole Substance Abuse

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in committee · Tennessee · Senate Mar 25, 2026

SB 1933: Public Records - As introduced, requires the department of correction to disclose records and information to any member of the general assembly, upon written request, to enable the member to determine whether the laws of this state are being complied with regarding inmates in the department's custody. - Amends TCA Title 3; Title 4; Title 10, Chapter 7; Title 40 and Title 41.

SB 1933 requires Tennessee's Department of Correction to provide inmate records to any state legislator upon written request. Legislators must specify the inmate's name and sign a confidentiality agreement before reviewing records, which must remain in the department's possession during the review. The bill enables legislators to check whether correction laws are being followed for inmates in custody. It does not change existing laws but creates a process for legislative oversight of correctional compliance.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEnables legislative oversight of correctional compliance through inmate record access, enhancing accountability in corrections without altering substantive laws.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Drug Policy

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signed · Tennessee · House Apr 28, 2025

HB 1239: Opioids - As enacted, clarifies that a physician licensed in this state is the only healthcare provider authorized to prescribe a buprenorphine product for a FDA-approved use in recovery or medication-assisted treatment; revises criteria for providers not licensed in this state to prescribe a buprenorphine product for the treatment of opioid use disorder. - Amends TCA Title 33; Title 41; Title 53 and Title 63.

HB 1239 clarifies that only physicians licensed in Tennessee may prescribe buprenorphine for FDA-approved uses in opioid recovery or medication-assisted treatment. It also establishes new requirements for non-Tennessee-licensed healthcare providers (such as those working in correctional facilities) to prescribe buprenorphine for opioid use disorder: they must hold a federal DEA registration, be employed by or contract with a correctional facility or jail, and have clinical protocols for medication-assisted treatment. The bill revises existing law to limit prescribing authority while creating specific pathways for correctional healthcare providers. It takes effect on July 1, 2025.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEnables medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder in correctional facilities, supporting rehabilitation within criminal justice system90% confidence ✗ HealthcareOpposes HealthcareRestricts prescribing authority to Tennessee-licensed physicians only, adding barriers for non-physician providers in correctional settings, limiting access to medication-assisted treatment.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Drug Policy Substance Abuse

in committee · Tennessee · Senate Apr 2, 2025

SB 923: Controlled Substances - As introduced, decriminalizes the possession of less than one ounce of marijuana or less than five marijuana plants; authorizes municipalities and counties to impose civil penalties on the possession of marijuana in certain circumstances. - Amends TCA Title 16, Chapter 18, Part 3; Title 39, Chapter 17, Part 4 and Title 40.

SB 923 decriminalizes the possession of less than one ounce (28.35 grams) of marijuana or up to five marijuana plants in Tennessee, removing criminal penalties for these amounts. It directly affects individuals caught with these small quantities, while allowing municipalities and counties to impose civil penalties (up to $250) for public possession or casual sharing of small amounts. Key provisions include defining "casual exchange" as spontaneous sharing without money or payment methods, and specifying penalties calculated at $25 per 0.1 ounce or $50 per plant. The bill does not change laws regarding marijuana sales or larger quantities, and takes effect July 1, 2025.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeDecriminalizes minor marijuana possession, removing criminal penalties and shifting to civil penalties - directly reducing criminalization and advancing drug policy reform in criminal justice.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy

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in committee · Tennessee · House Apr 1, 2025

HB 981: Controlled Substances - As introduced, decriminalizes the possession of less than one ounce of marijuana or less than five marijuana plants; authorizes municipalities and counties to impose civil penalties on the possession of marijuana in certain circumstances. - Amends TCA Title 16, Chapter 18, Part 3; Title 39, Chapter 17, Part 4 and Title 40.

HB 981 decriminalizes possession of less than one ounce (28.35 grams) of marijuana or up to five marijuana plants in Tennessee, removing criminal penalties for these amounts. It allows cities and counties to impose civil fines (up to $250 total) for public possession or casual exchange of these small amounts, calculated at $25 per 0.1 ounce or $50 per plant. The bill does not cover marijuana in other forms (like oils or concentrates) and maintains criminal penalties for selling or distributing marijuana. Local governments may set these fines through ordinances or resolutions, with the law taking effect July 1, 2025.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeDecriminalizes minor marijuana possession, removing criminal penalties and shifting to civil fines - reducing unnecessary incarceration and aligning with criminal justice reform goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy

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in committee · Tennessee · House Apr 14, 2026

HB 985: Firearms and Ammunition - As introduced, removes the criminal offense of possession of a weapon in a building or on property that is properly posted; removes the requirement that the department of safety suspend or revoke a handgun carry permit for a violation of that offense by a handgun permit holder. - Amends TCA Title 39, Chapter 17, Part 13.

HB 985 modifies Tennessee's firearm laws by removing the criminal offense for possessing a weapon in a properly posted building or property, and eliminating automatic permit suspensions for this violation. It requires property owners who restrict firearms to post clear signage, install metal detectors at all public entrances, and have trained security officers inspect all visitors and bags. This primarily affects businesses, venues, and property managers seeking to prohibit firearms, while exempting libraries, law enforcement buildings, Head Start facilities, and certain licensed properties. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, and shifts enforcement focus to physical security measures rather than criminal penalties for non-compliance.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRemoves criminal offense for weapon possession in properly posted areas, reducing unnecessary criminalization in firearm laws.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Firearms Law Enforcement

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in committee · Tennessee · Senate Mar 31, 2025

SB 465: Drugs, Synthetic or Analogue - As introduced, removes the limitation that a person who is experiencing a drug overdose only has immunity from being arrested, charged, or prosecuted on the first drug overdose. - Amends TCA Title 50; Title 53; Title 63 and Title 68.

SB 465 removes a restriction in Tennessee law that previously limited legal immunity from arrest or charges for people experiencing drug overdoses to only their *first* overdose. The bill amends Tennessee Code §63-1-156(b) to allow immunity for subsequent overdoses if the person seeks emergency help. This directly affects individuals experiencing drug overdoses who contact emergency services, as they would no longer face arrest or prosecution for drug offenses during multiple overdose events. The key change is extending the existing immunity protection beyond the initial overdose, while maintaining the requirement to cooperate with emergency responders.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRemoves first-overdose limitation, expanding immunity for seeking help during multiple overdoses - reduces criminalization of drug users and promotes public health approach to overdose response.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRemoves legal barriers to seeking emergency care for drug overdoses, improving access to healthcare services and protecting individuals from prosecution when seeking help.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Substance Abuse

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in committee · Tennessee · House Mar 18, 2026

HB 1210: Firearms and Ammunition - As introduced, requires, if the respondent on an order of protection dispossesses firearms by transferring possession to a third party who is not prohibited from possessing firearms, the respondent to specify the third party and the physical address where all firearms are located on the affidavit of firearms dispossession form; requires the third party to sign the affidavit of firearms dispossession form to acknowledge receipt of the firearms. - Amends TCA Title 36, Chapter 3, Part 6.

This bill requires individuals under domestic violence protection orders who transfer firearms to a third party (not prohibited from owning guns) to list the third party's name and full address on the firearms dispossession form. It also mandates that the third party sign the form to confirm receipt of the firearms. The changes apply specifically to cases where firearms are transferred rather than surrendered to law enforcement. The bill aims to create a clear, documented record of firearm transfers in domestic violence cases to enhance safety transparency. (Amends TCA Title 36, Chapter 3, Part 6)

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeAdds accountability in firearm transfers under domestic violence orders, preventing prohibited access to firearms.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Drug Policy Firearms

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