Criminal Justice

passed · Tennessee · Senate Apr 9, 2026

SB 34: Criminal Offenses - As introduced, creates a Class A misdemeanor for knowingly giving, selling, lending, delivering, or otherwise transferring a firearm to a person when the transferor knows or reasonably should know that the person receiving the firearm is prohibited from purchasing or possessing a firearm under state or federal law. - Amends TCA Title 39, Chapter 17, Part 13.

SB 34 creates a Class A misdemeanor for knowingly transferring a firearm to someone prohibited from owning one under state or federal law, directly affecting individuals who sell, lend, or give firearms to such persons. The bill amends Tennessee Code § 39-17-1316 to prohibit giving, selling, lending, delivering, or otherwise transferring firearms when the transferor knows or should reasonably know the recipient is prohibited. Violations carry penalties of up to 11 months in jail and/or fines. The law applies to all firearm transfers occurring on or after July 1, 2025.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeCreates Class A misdemeanor for illegal firearm transfers to prohibited persons, strengthening enforcement against firearm crimes under criminal justice framework.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Firearms

Track

signed · Tennessee · Senate Apr 29, 2025

SB 1097: DUI Offenses - As enacted, requires the state treasurer to deem a person ordered by a court to use a functioning ignition interlock device to be indigent and unable to pay the costs of the device if the person receives funds from the supplemental nutrition assistance, temporary assistance for needy families, or state medicaid program; removes the requirement that a court determine whether a person asserting inability to pay for a functioning ignition interlock device is indigent; revises other provisions relative to the electronic monitoring indigency fund. - Amends TCA Section 55-10-419.

SB 1097 changes Tennessee law for DUI offenders required to use ignition interlock devices (IIDs) by automatically deeming individuals receiving SNAP, TANF, or state Medicaid benefits as unable to pay for the device, eliminating the need for a court hearing to determine indigency. Under this bill, eligible individuals must pay $30 monthly toward device costs, with the state covering the remainder up to $170 per month from the electronic monitoring indigency fund. The law updates reimbursement procedures for device providers, requiring them to submit claims with court orders and proof of the person's benefit eligibility. This applies specifically to those ordered to use a functioning IID for DUI offenses.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeAutomatically deems SNAP/TANF/Medicaid recipients indigent for IID costs, removing court hearings and reducing financial barriers - aligns with criminal justice reform by protecting low-income defendants' rights and promoting fair compliance.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareUses Medicaid eligibility to waive IID costs, preventing financial barriers to healthcare access for beneficiaries.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Medicaid

in committee · Tennessee · House Apr 29, 2025

HB 1343: DUI Offenses - As enacted, requires the state treasurer to deem a person ordered by a court to use a functioning ignition interlock device to be indigent and unable to pay the costs of the device if the person receives funds from the supplemental nutrition assistance, temporary assistance for needy families, or state medicaid program; removes the requirement that a court determine whether a person asserting inability to pay for a functioning ignition interlock device is indigent; revises other provisions relative to the electronic monitoring indigency fund. - Amends TCA Section 55-10-419.

HB 1343 automates indigency determination for DUI offenders required to use ignition interlock devices. It directs the state treasurer to automatically deem individuals receiving SNAP, TANF, or Medicaid benefits as indigent for device cost coverage, eliminating the need for courts to hold separate hearings to assess financial status. The bill revises Tennessee Code § 55-10-419 to streamline reimbursement from the electronic monitoring indigency fund, requiring providers to submit claims with court orders and proof of program eligibility. This directly affects low-income DUI offenders enrolled in federal/state assistance programs, ensuring they pay only $30 monthly toward device costs while the fund covers the remainder (up to $170). The policy change removes administrative hurdles for qualifying individuals while maintaining cost-sharing requirements.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeAutomates indigency determination for DUI offenders on SNAP/TANF/Medicaid, eliminating court hearings to access device cost coverage - streamlines access to justice for low-income defendants.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

Track

in committee · Tennessee · House Mar 18, 2025

HB 558: Motor Vehicles - As introduced, creates a Class A misdemeanor for a person who is in the United States without legal authorization to operate a motor vehicle without possessing a valid driver license and evidence of financial responsibility; limits the fine for such offense to a maximum of $1,000. - Amends TCA Title 39 and Title 55.

HB 558 creates a Class A misdemeanor for undocumented immigrants operating a motor vehicle without both a valid driver's license and proof of insurance (financial responsibility). It directly affects individuals in Tennessee without legal authorization to drive. The bill sets a maximum $1,000 fine for this offense and amends Tennessee Code Sections 39-17-101 and 55-50-301. The law takes effect July 1, 2025.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeCreates new Class A misdemeanor for undocumented drivers, expanding criminalization without reform measures or protections.90% confidence ✗ ImmigrationOpposes ImmigrationBill criminalizes undocumented immigrants driving without license/insurance, imposing fines and restricting mobility - directly limiting immigrant activities under state law.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Driver Licenses & IDs

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signed · Tennessee · Senate May 13, 2025

SB 407: Criminal Procedure - As enacted, revises the procedure for restoration of rights of citizenship. - Amends TCA Title 2; Title 4; Title 22; Title 36; Title 39 and Title 40.

SB 407 changes how Tennessee restores voting rights after felony convictions. It removes the requirement for a governor's pardon, instead automatically restoring voting rights once a person completes their sentence (including probation or parole) for most felony convictions. The bill affects individuals with past felony convictions who were previously barred from voting without a pardon. However, voting rights remain restricted for those convicted of first-degree murder, aggravated rape, treason, or certain violent sexual offenses, as specified in the law.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRemoves governor's pardon requirement for voting rights restoration, automatically restoring rights after sentence completion for most felons, advancing criminal justice reform by promoting reintegration and civil rights restoration.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Civil Rights Probation & Parole

in committee · Tennessee · House Apr 30, 2025

HB 1038: Courts, Juvenile - As enacted, requires the administrative office of the courts to maintain a criminal justice information services compliant centralized statewide juvenile case management system; requires all juvenile court clerks to adopt and convert to the new juvenile case management system on a schedule to be determined in consultation with the administrative office of the courts; makes related changes. - Amends TCA Title 8; Title 16; Title 18 and Title 37.

HB 1038 requires all Tennessee juvenile court clerks to adopt a single, secure statewide system for managing juvenile case records. The Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) must maintain this system and set adoption timelines for courts. Juvenile courts must report case data monthly through this system, replacing older record-keeping methods. This affects every juvenile court clerk and the state’s court administration across all counties.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires centralized juvenile case management system to improve data tracking and court efficiency, advancing transparency and reform in juvenile justice administration.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Juvenile Justice

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died · Tennessee · Senate Feb 4, 2025

SB 635: Criminal Offenses - As introduced, removes the killing of another committed in the perpetration of, or attempt to perpetrate, certain crimes from the elements of first degree murder; deletes the offense of criminal responsibility for conduct of another; deletes the offense of criminal responsibility for the facilitation of a felony. - Amends TCA Title 39, Chapter 11; Title 39, Chapter 12; Title 39, Chapter 13; Title 39, Chapter 14; Title 40, Chapter 24; Title 40, Chapter 35 and Title 40, Chapter 39.

SB 635 removes specific legal provisions from Tennessee's criminal code. It deletes the rule that killing during certain crimes (like robbery) automatically qualifies as first-degree murder, and eliminates sections defining criminal responsibility for another person's actions or "facilitation" of felonies. These changes affect how murder charges are classified and defended in court, specifically removing three existing legal elements from the law. The bill does not create new policies but deletes existing provisions in Tennessee Code sections related to murder and criminal responsibility.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRemoves automatic first-degree murder classification for certain crimes and deletes broad criminal responsibility provisions, reducing mandatory harsh sentencing and aligning with reform efforts.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Violent Crime

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in committee · Tennessee · House Feb 12, 2025

HB 1363: Sentencing - As introduced, permits a person who is serving a sentence of incarceration of eight years or more for an offense committed prior to January 1, 2026, and who is a victim of domestic abuse subjected to substantial physical, sexual, or psychological abuse inflicted by a member of the same family or household as the person to submit to the sentencing court, a request to apply for resentencing. - Amends TCA Title 39 and Title 40.

HB 1363 allows individuals serving eight or more years in prison for a crime committed before January 1, 2026, to request a new sentencing hearing if they were victims of domestic abuse (physical, sexual, or psychological) by a family or household member at the time of the offense. To apply, they must submit documentation proving their sentence length, the crime's date, and the abuse, including two types of evidence (one from court records, police reports, or similar sources). If approved, the court may reduce their sentence, considering their prison behavior and participation in treatment programs, but not the original conviction. Requests can only be made starting January 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeAllows resentencing for domestic abuse victims to correct unjust sentences, promoting reform and protecting vulnerable individuals within sentencing framework.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Domestic Violence Sentencing

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signed · Tennessee · Senate Apr 29, 2025

SB 741: Criminal Offenses - As enacted, creates a criminal offense of possessing, distributing, or producing technology, software, or digital tools designed for the purpose of creating material that includes a minor engaged in sexual activity or simulated sexual activity that is patently offensive; establishes relevant factors to be considered in determining whether artificial technology, software, or digital tools are used or possessed with intent to create material that includes a minor engaged in sexual activity or simulated sexual activity that is patently offensive. - Amends TCA Title 39.

SB 741 criminalizes possessing, distributing, or producing digital tools designed to create material featuring minors in sexual activity (real or simulated, if patently offensive). It classifies violations as Class E (possession), Class C (distribution), or Class B (production) felonies. Courts must consider specific factors like the defendant’s statements, existing material, advertising, and legitimate uses when determining intent. The law, effective July 1, 2025, directly affects individuals who handle such technology, not minors or general users.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeCreates new felonies for digital tools used in child exploitation material, expanding criminalization of related conduct.95% confidence ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyCriminalizes possession/distribution of technology tools designed for illegal CSAM creation, restricting technology use for harmful purposes rather than promoting tech policy.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy

signed · Tennessee · Senate May 2, 2025

SB 304: Evidence - As enacted, 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 confirms the accuracy of the recording and the child is available for cross examination; makes other changes relative to forensic interviews. - Amends TCA Title 24, Chapter 7.

SB 304 allows video recordings of children's interviews with forensic interviewers to be used as evidence in court for cases involving sexual or physical violence against children. The bill requires either the child or the forensic interviewer to swear under oath that the recording is accurate, and the child must be available for cross-examination. It also clarifies that interviews conducted by qualified professionals - such as those employed by accredited child advocacy centers or federal agencies - meet admissibility standards. This change directly affects child victims in criminal cases, streamlining evidence presentation while maintaining judicial safeguards.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill enables admissible child victim interview videos as evidence with safeguards (sworn accuracy, cross-examination), reducing trauma while strengthening evidence handling in sexual/physical violence cases, aligning with victim-centered criminal ...90% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts