SB 1724 allows jails in Tennessee to refuse accepting arrestees who require medical attention and were arrested for a non-violent misdemeanor (not a crime against a person). The arresting agency must arrange for a healthcare provider to evaluate the arrestee and obtain a release form confirming the person no longer needs medical care or can be confined. This applies specifically to misdemeanor offenses under Title 39, Chapter 13 (e.g., minor property offenses, non-violent violations). The law takes effect July 1, 2026, and amends Tennessee Code Sections 41-4-145 and related provisions.
This bill, known as the "Tennessee Women's Childbirth Alternatives, Resources, and Education Act" (or "Trixtian's Law"), protects pregnant and postpartum individuals in Tennessee's criminal justice system by prohibiting the use of their pregnancy-related health information as evidence in criminal cases. It bans criminal charges based on pregnancy outcomes like miscarriage, stillbirth, or drug exposure during pregnancy, and requires correctional facilities to provide pregnancy testing within 72 hours. Facilities must also report annual data on incarcerated pregnant individuals and birth outcomes (without personal identifiers) to the Department of Health, while expediting transfers of pregnant people to state custody. These provisions directly affect incarcerated women, correctional facilities, and health data reporting practices across Tennessee.
SB 1862 amends Tennessee law to extend the timeframe for the Department of Correction to notify victims about parole hearings. Specifically, it increases the deadline from 90 to 100 days after receiving a valid conviction judgment for notifying victim witness coordinators of an inmate's scheduled parole hearing date. This change directly affects crime victims and their designated coordinators by providing an additional 10 days to prepare for parole proceedings. The amendment applies to inmates eligible for parole consideration and takes effect July 1, 2026.
SB 1686 requires Tennessee's Department of Correction to create a performance-based contracting program for entities operating state prison facilities. It ties 25% of each contractor's annual funding to yearly improvements on specific, measurable outcomes - including staff turnover rates, inmate safety metrics (like preventable deaths and sexual violence incidents), participation in rehabilitation programs, and post-release employment. Contractors must meet these targets to receive the full 25% payment; otherwise, the funds revert to the state general fund. The program must be implemented within six months, with quarterly audits by the comptroller to verify compliance and public reporting of results.
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.
SB 1759 requires Tennessee's Department of Correction to permanently retain a copy of each inmate's officially verified risk and needs assessment for the entire duration of their incarceration. This applies to all inmates under the department's supervision, mandating that these assessments be kept on file without expiration. The bill amends Tennessee law (Title 41) to establish this record-keeping requirement, ensuring consistent access to assessment data throughout an inmate's time in custody. It does not change assessment criteria, inmate programs, or release procedures - only the retention of existing assessment records.
HB 1551 requires Tennessee's Department of Correction to coordinate with the Department of Safety to provide driver licenses to inmates discharged after serving felony sentences who had a valid license before incarceration and plan to live in Tennessee. It automatically extends the expiration date of an inmate's driver license by six months if it expired during incarceration or within six months after release. The bill clarifies that a license expired solely due to incarceration is considered "in good standing," and inmates without valid licenses may receive a photo ID license instead. This policy directly affects released felons who held valid licenses prior to imprisonment.
HB 1938 prohibits Tennessee state agencies and local governments (counties, cities, or metropolitan governments) from entering new contracts or renewing existing contracts for private prisons. It directly affects entities currently using private facilities to house inmates under the custody of the Tennessee Department of Correction or local governments. The bill amends Tennessee law to ban all new or renewed agreements for correctional services or facilities for these inmates, effective upon enactment. This bill is currently pending in the State & Local Government Committee after being introduced in early 2026.
SB 1950 modifies Tennessee's driver license rules to allow certain individuals to obtain a for-hire endorsement for Class D vehicles. It specifically waives the standard two-year unrestricted driving requirement for applicants who: (1) completed a sentence of incarceration for an offense, (2) currently hold a restricted license due to unpaid fines/court costs, and (3) are making payments under a court-approved plan. This change directly affects people with past convictions who are resolving financial obligations through structured payment plans. The bill does not alter other eligibility criteria like age, vehicle type, or character requirements.
HB 1771 requires Tennessee's Department of Correction to conduct annual education assessments for inmates serving felony sentences. These assessments determine each inmate's current education level and interest in continuing or advancing their studies. The department must then provide written notice within 90 days of the assessment about available educational programs and opportunities. The law applies to all felony inmates confined in state facilities and takes effect July 1, 2026.
