Criminal Justice

signed · Tennessee · Senate Apr 6, 2026

SB 175: State Inmates - As enacted, requires by July 1, 2027, and each July 1 thereafter, the commissioner of correction to deliver to the chairs of legislative committees with jurisdiction over the department a report containing data with regard to individuals who may be certified eligible for parole for being chronically debilitated or incapacitated. - Amends TCA Title 40 and Title 41.

SB 175 changes Tennessee's parole and furlough rules for inmates with serious medical conditions. It removes the requirement that an inmate must be "chronically debilitated" to be certified for parole, and expands eligibility for furloughs when an inmate cannot perform basic daily tasks in prison due to a medical condition. The bill affects inmates with health issues that limit their ability to manage daily activities in a correctional setting. These changes update Tennessee Code Sections 40-35-501 (parole eligibility) and 41-21-227 (furlough criteria), but the bill remains pending in the Senate.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRemoves medical barrier for parole/furloughs, enabling compassionate release for inmates with chronic conditions - advancing rehabilitation-focused criminal justice reform.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole

signed · Tennessee · House May 5, 2026

HB 359: Criminal Offenses - As enacted, defines "seriously bodily injury" for the purposes of the present law offense of vehicular assault, which occurs when a person who, as the proximate result of the person's intoxication, recklessly causes serious bodily injury to another person by the operation of a motor vehicle or vessel subject to registration; makes related changes. - Amends TCA Title 39 and Title 55.

HB 359 increases penalties for driving without a valid driver's license in Tennessee. It upgrades a first offense from a Class C to a Class B misdemeanor and makes a second or subsequent offense within 10 years a Class A misdemeanor. The bill directly affects drivers who operate vehicles without a valid license, with penalties applying to violations occurring on or after July 1, 2025. This change amends Tennessee Code Sections 55-50-301 and related provisions.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeIncreases penalties for driving without license, expanding criminalization of minor traffic violations, aligning with 'oppose' indicators.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationIncreases penalties for unlicensed driving, enhancing road safety standards under vehicle regulations within transportation policy.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Violent Crime Driver Licensing Vehicle Registration

in committee · Tennessee · Senate Jun 4, 2025

SB 186: State Inmates - As enacted, increases the accreditation stipend provided to eligible counties for each convicted felon housed by the county. - Amends TCA Title 4; Title 5; Title 6; Title 7; Title 8; Title 9; Title 29; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40 and Title 41.

SB 186 increases state payments to counties for housing convicted felons by raising the accreditation stipend per inmate. This directly affects counties that operate local jails or hold inmates under state supervision. The bill amends multiple Tennessee Code sections (including Titles 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 29, 38, 39, 40, and 41) to implement this payment increase. The change became law on June 4, 2025, after passing through legislative committees.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeIncreases state funding to counties for housing inmates via higher accreditation stipends, directly supporting correctional system operations and funding.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

Track

in committee · Tennessee · House May 15, 2025

HB 370: Criminal Offenses - As enacted, expands the criminal offense of harassment to include harassment that occurs by communicating in the physical presence of the victim, in addition to in writing, by telephone, or electronically. - Amends TCA Title 39.

HB 370 expands Tennessee's harassment law to include in-person communication as a criminal offense, not just written, phone, or electronic contact. The bill amends state law to define "communicate" broadly, covering physical presence interactions (like shouting or gestures face-to-face), verbal exchanges, and digital messages. This change directly affects individuals who engage in harassment through direct physical interactions, making such conduct punishable under existing harassment statutes. The law takes effect July 1, 2025, updating how harassment is legally defined without altering penalties.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeExpands criminalization of harassment to include in-person interactions, increasing potential for prosecution under existing statutes.95% confidence

Track

in committee · Tennessee · House Mar 25, 2026

HB 954: Law Enforcement - As introduced, requires each law enforcement agency to develop and implement an alternative crisis response unit; requires the Tennessee peace officer standards and training commission to establish uniform training standards for alternative crisis response units in all law enforcement agencies. - Amends TCA Title 33 and Title 38.

HB 954 requires all Tennessee law enforcement agencies to create and implement alternative crisis response units by January 1, 2026. These units must pair a full-time police officer with a qualified mental health professional who leads mental health-related emergency calls. The bill mandates the Tennessee Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission to establish uniform training standards for these units and provide annual officer training on supporting mental health professionals during crisis calls. The law directly affects every law enforcement agency in Tennessee and updates state statutes to formalize this crisis response model.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires mental health professionals in crisis response units, reducing police involvement in non-violent mental health emergencies - aligns with criminal justice reform goals.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates mental health professionals in crisis response units, directly supporting mental health services by improving emergency care access and integration with law enforcement.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Policing Healthcare Workforce Mental Health

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in committee · Tennessee · Senate Mar 24, 2026

SB 1032: Search & Seizure - As introduced, requires officials who are employed or contracted by the federal government, the state government, or a local government within this state, or an agency or department thereof, to obtain a search warrant that identifies the person or property that is the subject of the search before entering private property, unless a judicially recognized exception to the warrant requirement exists. - Amends TCA Title 4; Title 8; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40 and Title 44.

SB 1032 requires Tennessee state and local government officials (including police, inspectors, and wildlife officers), as well as federal officials working within the state, to obtain a search warrant specifically identifying the person or property to be searched before entering private property. This applies to most searches, but exceptions exist for situations where courts recognize a warrantless search is justified (such as emergencies). Officials who fail to comply without a valid exception face a Class C misdemeanor charge. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2025, and amends multiple sections of Tennessee law governing searches.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires specific warrants for searches, protecting civil rights by preventing general warrants and enhancing police accountability under Fourth Amendment standards.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Policing

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in committee · Tennessee · House Mar 26, 2025

HB 792: Sexual Offenses - As introduced, enacts the "Tennessee Sexual Violence Justice Act," making various changes to the requirements for investigating sexual offenses. - Amends TCA Title 29; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40 and Title 67.

HB 792, the "Tennessee Sexual Violence Justice Act," requires law enforcement officers investigating sexual assault to complete annual trauma-informed, victim-centered training (16 hours minimum) through the POST commission, with curriculum developed in collaboration with victim advocates and healthcare providers. It mandates the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) to test all previously untested sexual assault evidence kits by January 2026 (prioritizing ongoing cases) and to test new kits within 90 days of receipt starting July 2025, requiring annual reports on testing timelines. The bill directly affects law enforcement personnel, the TBI, and victims of sexual assault by standardizing investigative practices and evidence processing. Key provisions include mandatory mock assessments for training, specific interview techniques emphasizing victim safety, and DNA profiling protocols for CODIS databases.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates trauma-informed officer training and testing of untested evidence kits, advancing victim-centered criminal justice reform in sexual offense investigations.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Human Trafficking Law Enforcement Violent Crime

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in committee · Tennessee · Senate Apr 20, 2026

SB 417: Criminal Offenses - As introduced, decreases from 150 grams to 50 grams or more the amount of any substance containing fentanyl, carfentanil, remifentanil, alfentanil, thiafentanil, or any fentanyl derivative or analogue that is punished as a Class A felony for the knowing manufacture, delivery, or sale of the substance, or possession with intent to manufacture, deliver, or sell the substance. - Amends TCA Title 39, Chapter 17.

SB 417 lowers the weight threshold for felony charges related to certain fentanyl-related substances in Tennessee. It changes the law so that possessing, manufacturing, delivering, or selling 50 grams or more of fentanyl, carfentanil, remifentanil, or their derivatives triggers a Class A felony charge - down from the current 150 grams. This directly affects individuals involved in handling these substances, as it makes it easier to meet the felony threshold. The bill amends Tennessee Code §39-17-417(j)(12) and takes effect July 1, 2025.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeLowers felony threshold for fentanyl derivatives from 150g to 50g, expanding criminalization and increasing penalties without reform measures.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy

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in committee · Tennessee · House May 15, 2025

HB 40: General Assembly, Directed Studies - As enacted, requires TACIR to study the availability of housing and other treatment facilities for juvenile offenders who have been adjudicated delinquent and committed to the department of children's services, and the availability of local juvenile detention centers and other facilities for the housing and treatment of juvenile offenders who have been detained by the juvenile court prior to an adjudicatory hearing; requires TACIR to report its findings and recommendations. - Amends TCA Title 37; Title 39 and Title 40.

HB 40 requires Tennessee's TACIR (Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations) to study two specific areas of juvenile justice: (1) the availability of local detention centers and treatment facilities for juveniles detained before court hearings, and (2) the availability of housing and treatment facilities for juveniles found delinquent and placed in state care. The study must determine if additional facilities are needed for either group and assess current resources. TACIR must report its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly by January 1, 2026, using existing resources. This bill is procedural, directing a study rather than implementing new policies or changing facility standards.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires study of juvenile facility availability to improve housing/treatment resources, aligning with criminal justice reform goals of enhancing rehabilitation and resource assessment.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Juvenile Justice

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signed · Tennessee · Senate Apr 28, 2026

SB 1159: Correction, Dept. of - As enacted, requires the department to conduct a study concerning subjects related to access of family members to incarcerated persons for visitation; requires the department to report its findings to each member of the general assembly and to provide a copy of the report to the legislative librarian by no later than January 31, 2027. - Amends TCA Title 41, Chapter 51.

SB 1159, the "Proximity Placement and Family Visitation Incentive Act," allows eligible incarcerated individuals in Tennessee to transfer to correctional facilities closer to their home counties if they meet specific criteria. It directly affects inmates who maintain good behavior for at least 12 months and participate in rehabilitation programs, as well as their families who face travel costs or hardship visiting them. The bill’s key mechanism requires inmates to demonstrate good conduct and program participation to qualify for transfer, with priority given to those with regular family visitation records or documented economic hardship from travel. The Tennessee Department of Correction must track visitation metrics, transfer requests, and outcomes to implement the law. This policy aims to strengthen family bonds, reduce recidivism, and lower financial burdens on low-income families.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill incentivizes rehabilitation participation and good conduct to enable closer facility placement, reducing recidivism through family visitation support - directly aligns with reform indicators.95% confidence