Criminal Justice

in committee · Tennessee · Senate May 26, 2026

SB 1937: Children - As enacted, adds the commissioner of mental health and substance abuse services, and one at large member with experience advocating for children, to the Tennessee second look commission; revises certain severe and aggravated child abuse offenses to include offenses involving strangulation; authorizes a court to order a child's custodian to submit certain documentation of compliance with preventative pediatric care consistent with the periodicity schedule of the American Academy of Pediatrics in certain situations; authorizes the department of children's services to initiate a visit to ascertain the wellbeing of a child if such documentation contains allegations of abuse or neglect. - Amends TCA Title 37; Title 38; Title 39 and Title 40.

SB 1937 amends Tennessee laws related to child abuse and child sexual abuse by adding the commissioner of mental health and substance abuse services to the Second Look Commission. It updates how abuse cases are reviewed (replacing "second or subsequent incident" with "case being reviewed") and expands the commission’s access to state agency records needed for its work. The bill also updates definitions to include "strangulation" in abuse and neglect contexts and modifies child protective team responsibilities. These changes directly affect children in abuse cases, child protective teams, and the Second Look Commission’s operations. The bill takes effect in 2026, with most provisions delayed until July 1.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens child abuse oversight by expanding the Second Look Commission and clarifying severe offenses, enhancing accountability and protection within the criminal justice system.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Tags Children

Track

signed · Tennessee · House Apr 21, 2026

HJR 1474: Memorials, Recognition - 21st District Recovery Court, 25th anniversary -

This bill honors the 21st District Recovery Court in Tennessee on its twenty-fifth anniversary. The resolution recognizes the program's work since 2001 in helping nonviolent offenders recover from addiction through a combination of accountability and support. It highlights the court's success in reducing recidivism and helping participants regain employment and family stability. The bill is a commemorative measure that does not change any laws or policies.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill recognizes a program reducing recidivism and aiding offender rehabilitation, aligning with criminal justice reform goals.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

signed · Tennessee · House May 1, 2026

HJR 1094: Memorials, Congratulations - Governor Lee's deployment of the National Guard to Memphis -

This bill is a joint resolution that formally congratulates Governor Bill Lee for deploying the Tennessee National Guard to assist law enforcement in Memphis. It recognizes the Governor's response to a declared emergency and acknowledges the National Guard's role in supporting the Memphis Safe Task Force, which aims to reduce violent crime through increased policing and investigations. The resolution expresses gratitude to National Guard members for their service and does not create any new laws or policy requirements. It serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment of past actions rather than establishing future obligations or changes to state operations.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill acknowledges National Guard deployment to assist law enforcement in reducing violent crime, though it's primarily a congratulatory resolution without substantive policy changes.60% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill formally congratulates Governor for deploying National Guard and expresses gratitude to Guard members for their service, recognizing their role in supporting public safety.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Violent Crime Memorials & Recognition National Guard & Reserve

signed · Tennessee · House Apr 14, 2026

HJR 1181: Memorials, Recognition - Co-Responder Amanda Finn -

This joint resolution honors Co-Responder Amanda Finn of the Chattanooga Police Department for receiving the Professional Staff Newcomer Award. The measure recognizes her contributions to the Crisis Co-Response Unit, including improving clinical training, enhancing officer de-escalation skills, and strengthening community relationships. By formally commending her achievements, the Tennessee legislature acknowledges her leadership and impact on public safety operations.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill honors officer for crisis co-response work that improves de-escalation and community relations, advancing criminal justice reform goals.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Policing

signed · Tennessee · House Apr 14, 2026

HJR 1185: Memorials, Recognition - Peer Support Team -

This House Joint Resolution honors and commends the Peer Support Team of the Chattanooga Police Department for receiving the Chief's Award. The resolution recognizes the team's work in transforming peer support from a reactive to a proactive model, including early intervention initiatives, certification training, and mentorship programs for new officers. It highlights their contributions to officer wellness, policy development, and crisis response efforts. This is a commemorative measure rather than a policy change, and it does not affect any laws or regulations.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill honors peer support team improving officer wellness and crisis response, indirectly supporting criminal justice by enhancing police effectiveness and accountability.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Policing

in committee · Tennessee · Senate Mar 31, 2025

SB 906: 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.

This bill, known as the Tennessee Sexual Violence Justice Act, establishes new requirements for law enforcement officers investigating sexual assault cases in Tennessee. It mandates that investigators complete annual trauma-informed training focused on victim-centered approaches, with specific curriculum standards developed in coordination with victim advocates and healthcare providers. The legislation also requires the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation to test sexual assault evidence collection kits within 90 days of receipt and submit annual reports on testing timelines to state officials. Additionally, the bill ensures that DNA profiles from these kits are eligible for entry into national and local DNA databases to aid in solving cases.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill enhances police accountability and victim-centered approaches in sexual assault investigations, strengthening criminal justice reform efforts.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Human Trafficking Law Enforcement Violent Crime

Track

failed · Tennessee · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 903: Firearms and Ammunition - As introduced, requires, subject to certain exemptions, that a sale or transfer of a firearm be done through a federally licensed gun dealer; creates a Class B misdemeanor offense for sales or transfers that are not conducted through a gun dealer. - Amends TCA Title 4, Chapter 54; Title 38, Chapter 3, Part 1 and Title 39, Chapter 17, Part 13.

This bill would require most firearm sales and transfers in Tennessee to be conducted through a federally licensed gun dealer, with specific exceptions for private sales between family members, transfers to law enforcement, and sales of antique firearms. The law creates a Class B misdemeanor offense for individuals who sell or transfer firearms outside of these approved channels, punishable by fines up to $10,000 and up to nine months in jail. Additionally, anyone convicted of violating this provision would be prohibited from possessing firearms for two years. The bill would take effect on July 1, 2025, if it were to become law.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens law enforcement oversight by requiring licensed dealers for firearm sales, reducing illegal transfers and enhancing public safety through stricter regulations.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Firearms Law Enforcement

Track

failed · Tennessee · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 904: 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.

This bill requires Tennessee law enforcement agencies to create alternative crisis response units by January 1, 2026, where a qualified mental health professional accompanies police officers to mental health-related calls and leads the response. The legislation mandates that the Tennessee Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission establish uniform training standards for these units and provide annual training for officers on supporting mental health professionals during calls. The bill directly affects law enforcement agencies across the state and the training commission by creating new operational requirements and training obligations. It amends existing state statutes to formalize these alternative response protocols rather than creating entirely new laws from scratch.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill promotes criminal justice reform by mandating mental health professionals accompany police, improving crisis response and reducing unnecessary arrests.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates mental health professionals accompany police on calls, improving access to mental health services and crisis intervention.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Policing Healthcare Workforce Mental Health

Track

in committee · Tennessee · House Mar 25, 2026

HB 2212: Privacy, Confidentiality - As introduced, enacts the "Fourth Amendment is Not for Sale Act"; creates a Class B misdemeanor offense for officers, employees, or contractors of a state agency or local governmental entity that is required by law to be issued a warrant prior to obtaining personal information or sensitive data about an individual to knowingly purchase, license, or otherwise obtain the personal information or sensitive data from a controller in lieu of the warrant requirement. - Amends TCA Title 4; Title 5; Title 6; Title 7; Title 8; Title 39 and Title 47.

HB 2212, titled the "Fourth Amendment is Not for Sale Act," prohibits Tennessee state and local government employees or contractors from purchasing or licensing personal data from companies instead of obtaining a warrant when legally required to do so. It creates a Class B misdemeanor offense for violations, with exceptions for emergency services, preventing imminent danger to individuals or the public, obtaining written consent, or complying with federal law. The law directly affects government entities handling sensitive data, ensuring they follow warrant procedures rather than bypassing them through data purchases. Key provisions clarify that "controller" (data companies) and "sensitive data" follow existing definitions in Tennessee law.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRestricts warrantless data acquisition by law enforcement, strengthening Fourth Amendment protections and civil rights in criminal investigations.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyPrevents government from bypassing warrants to access personal data, strengthening privacy protections by requiring judicial oversight for data requests.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Data Privacy

Track

signed · Tennessee · House May 27, 2026

HB 2502: Banks and Financial Institutions - As enacted, clarifies that the service of transmitting money from a location originating in this state to a location outside of the United States or its territories is a taxable service and that such a tax is generally levied on the amount of money transmitted; requires revenues generated from such a tax to be allocated to certain funds and purposes. - Amends TCA Title 4; Title 38; Title 39; Title 45; Title 47; Title 49 and Title 67.

HB 2502 classifies international money transfers originating in Tennessee (sent outside the U.S. or its territories) as taxable services for licensed money transmission companies. It requires tax revenues from these transactions to be allocated as follows: 25% to the state general fund, 25% to counties for infrastructure projects based on population, 25% to a new K-12 teacher salary fund, and 25% to a law enforcement training pay supplement. The bill establishes a dedicated "international money transmission tax fund" to manage these revenues, with refunds available for taxpayers who apply between June 1-30 annually. This policy directly affects money transmission businesses operating under Tennessee's Money Transmission Modernization Act.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill creates new tax on international money transfers, allocating 25% of revenue to K-12 teacher salaries and infrastructure projects, directly funding public services per tax revenue allocation.95% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeAllocates 25% of tax revenue to law enforcement training pay supplement, directly funding criminal justice personnel development.75% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationAllocates 25% of tax revenue to a dedicated K-12 teacher salary fund, directly funding educator compensation per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Sales Tax State Budget Law Enforcement K-12 Education Teachers