Criminal Justice (Courts)

in committee · Tennessee · House Apr 15, 2026

HB 2465: 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.

HB 2465 amends Tennessee Code Annotated Section 40-35-501 to require individuals convicted of certain serious offenses to serve 100% of their sentence without any sentence reduction credits. The bill specifically adds conspiracy, criminal attempt, and solicitation related to the offenses already listed in the statute (such as violent crimes and certain drug offenses) to the category of crimes where full sentences apply. This policy change directly affects individuals convicted of these specific offenses who would otherwise qualify for sentence credits through programs like good behavior or rehabilitation. The law will take effect July 1, 2026, for offenses committed on or after that date.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill mandates 100% sentence serving without credits for serious offenses, increasing mandatory sentencing and reducing defendant rights per TCA 40-35-501 amendments.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Sentencing

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signed · Tennessee · House May 5, 2026

HB 2221: Courts - As enacted, requires the clerks of the criminal courts to provide the Tennessee sheriffs' association with all court data necessary for the administration of the criminal proceedings notification system. - Amends TCA Title 4; Title 8; Title 16; Title 18; Title 40 and Title 67, Chapter 4, Part 6.

HB 2221 increases the required notice period for crime victims registered in Tennessee's criminal proceedings notification system from 24 to 36 hours before any hearing related to their case. This change directly affects victims who have opted into the state's notification system to receive updates about criminal cases involving them. The bill amends Tennessee Code Section 40-38-507(b)(1) to implement this longer notice period, affecting how the system communicates with registered victims. The policy change focuses solely on extending the notice window for victims' awareness, with no other provisions or impacts described in the bill text.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeExtends victim notification period from 24 to 36 hours, strengthening protections for crime victims in criminal proceedings per TCA 40-38-507(b)(1).85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Victims' Rights

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 2665: Bail, Bail Bonds - As introduced, requires a court or magistrate to impose global positioning monitoring as a condition of release for a defendant accused of certain offenses, unless the court or magistrate enters written findings that the defendant does not pose a threat to the victim or public safety; requires the administrative office of the courts to compile an annual report of the number of defendants subject to such an order. - Amends TCA Title 39; Title 40 and Title 55.

SB 2665 requires Tennessee courts to mandate GPS monitoring as a bail condition for defendants charged with specific serious offenses - including those involving firearms, violence, domestic assault, vehicle burglary, reckless driving, drag racing, or repeat crimes - unless the court documents in writing that the defendant poses no threat to victims or public safety. It applies to cases where the defendant was arrested for one of these listed offenses. Courts must report monthly data on defendants under GPS monitoring to the Administrative Office of the Courts, which will compile an annual statewide report for legislative committees. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeMandates GPS monitoring for specific offenses, restricting defendant freedom and reducing pretrial release options, aligning with 'oppose' indicators of limiting rights.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Judges Violent Crime

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in committee · Tennessee · House May 5, 2026

HB 2528: Private Protective Services - As enacted, adds stalking to the crimes for which an individual who has been convicted must have completed serving the individual's sentence or court-ordered probation at least five years prior to applying for a registration card to perform the duties of a security guard or officer; makes other changes related to security guards and officers. - Amends TCA Title 62, Chapter 35.

HB 2528 amends Tennessee's security guard licensing laws to add "stalking" to the list of crimes requiring applicants to complete all sentence or probation terms and wait at least five years before applying for a security guard registration. The bill directly affects individuals convicted of stalking who seek security guard positions, preventing them from applying until five years after their sentence or probation ends. Key provisions include requiring security guards to report arrests or convictions for listed offenses (like stalking) within 10 days to both the state commissioner and their employer, and adding new disqualifiers for individuals on abuse registries or prohibited from owning firearms. These changes strengthen background checks and reporting requirements for security personnel without altering existing rules for other offenses.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill restricts security guard licensing for stalking convicts by adding 5-year waiting period, directly limiting access to employment in criminal justice-adjacent roles.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Domestic Violence Probation & Parole

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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