Criminal Justice (Courts)

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

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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

introduced · Tennessee · House Feb 5, 2026

HB 2197: Health Care - As introduced, authorizes an individual to submit a request for a pre-application determination of eligibility for an occupational license based on criminal history either in writing or electronically, rather than exclusively in writing, and updates the provision regarding judicial review to clarify that the 30-day window to petition the Davidson County chancery court is triggered by the receipt of either written or electronic notice of disqualification. - Amends TCA Title 63 and Title 68.

HB 2197 allows individuals seeking health care licenses in Tennessee to request a pre-application eligibility check based on criminal history both in writing and electronically, not just in writing. It updates the process by clarifying that the 30-day window to challenge a disqualification notice in court begins when the notice is received - whether sent by mail or electronically. This directly affects people with criminal records applying for health care licenses (e.g., nurses, pharmacists). The bill amends Tennessee Code Sections 63-1-130(b) and (c) to implement these procedural changes.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeClarifies process for license eligibility with criminal history, reducing barriers to healthcare employment - aligns with criminal justice reform by aiding reintegration.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill streamlines healthcare licensing for individuals with criminal records by enabling electronic requests and clarifying court challenge timelines, improving access to healthcare professions.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

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in committee · Tennessee · Senate Mar 11, 2026

SB 2555: Health Care - As introduced, authorizes an individual to submit a request for a pre-application determination of eligibility for an occupational license based on criminal history either in writing or electronically, rather than exclusively in writing, and updates the provision regarding judicial review to clarify that the 30-day window to petition the Davidson County chancery court is triggered by the receipt of either written or electronic notice of disqualification. - Amends TCA Title 63 and Title 68.

SB 2555 allows individuals with criminal histories to request pre-application eligibility determinations for health care licenses either in writing or electronically, rather than only in writing. It directly affects applicants seeking Tennessee health care licenses (e.g., nursing, pharmacy) who must disclose criminal records. The bill updates procedures so that licensing authorities must provide written or electronic notice of disqualification, and the 30-day window to challenge this in Davidson County court begins when the applicant receives either form of notice. These changes clarify and modernize the process for applicants while maintaining existing disqualification standards.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeFacilitates reentry by easing licensing barriers for individuals with criminal records, aligning with criminal justice reform goals to reduce recidivism.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

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in committee · Tennessee · Senate Feb 5, 2026

SB 2420: Sentencing - As introduced, reduces the time within which a sentencing hearing must be held from within 45 days after a finding of guilt to within 30 days after the finding of guilt. - Amends TCA Title 38; Title 39 and Title 40.

SB 2420 (Tennessee) shortens the deadline for holding sentencing hearings in criminal cases from 45 days to 30 days after a guilty verdict. This change directly affects defendants convicted of crimes and the state court system, requiring faster scheduling of sentencing. The bill amends Tennessee Code Sections in Titles 38, 39, and 40 to implement this timeline reduction. It takes effect on July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeShortens sentencing hearing timeline from 45 to 30 days, aligning with criminal justice reform goals to reduce delays and improve system efficiency without restricting rights or increasing sentences.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Sentencing

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in committee · Tennessee · House Apr 29, 2026

HB 2352: Court Rules - As enacted, requires each juvenile court, through the juvenile court clerk or juvenile court staff, each month within the statewide juvenile case management system prescribed by the administrative office of the courts to report to the administrative office of the courts each new dependency and neglect case, including for each child named in the petition, certain information. - Amends TCA Title 37, Chapter 1.

HB 2352 restricts access to juvenile court records in delinquency and unruly proceedings to specific court personnel, prosecutors, and public defenders when handling cases involving children. It amends Tennessee law to require that only judges, court staff, district attorneys, and public defenders may view these records while performing official duties related to child cases. The bill explicitly prohibits unauthorized disclosure of this information, reinforcing confidentiality protections for minors in juvenile court matters. This change directly affects minors involved in juvenile court cases and ensures their records are only accessible to authorized legal professionals handling their cases.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRestricts juvenile court record access to protect minors' privacy, reinforcing confidentiality in criminal justice proceedings per bill's explicit language.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Juvenile Justice

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in committee · Tennessee · Senate Feb 5, 2026

SB 2666: Elder Abuse - As introduced, requires the court to set a date for a deposition to preserve testimony in a case in which an alleged offense against an elderly or vulnerable adult has been committed within 45 days, rather than 60 days, of the filing of the original motion to preserve testimony. - Amends TCA Title 39 and Title 71.

SB 2666 shortens the deadline for courts to schedule depositions in elder abuse cases from 60 to 45 days after a motion to preserve testimony is filed. This applies specifically to cases involving alleged offenses against elderly or vulnerable adults under Tennessee law. The bill amends Tennessee Code Sections 39-15-504 and 71 to implement this timeline change. It directly affects courts, prosecutors, and defense attorneys handling these cases by requiring faster scheduling. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeShortens deposition timeline in elder abuse cases (vulnerable victims), enhancing court efficiency and victim protection within criminal justice system.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

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signed · Tennessee · Senate Apr 29, 2026

SB 2219: Court Rules - As enacted, requires each juvenile court, through the juvenile court clerk or juvenile court staff, each month within the statewide juvenile case management system prescribed by the administrative office of the courts to report to the administrative office of the courts each new dependency and neglect case, including for each child named in the petition, certain information. - Amends TCA Title 37, Chapter 1.

SB 2219 restricts access to juvenile court records in Tennessee related to delinquency or unruly proceedings. It limits viewing of these records - previously open to inspection - to only three groups: court personnel (judges, magistrates, staff) acting in official duties; district attorneys and assistants handling child-related cases; and public defenders and assistants handling child-related cases. The bill prohibits anyone with access from disclosing or sharing these records except as permitted by law. This change, effective January 2027, modifies Tennessee’s juvenile court rules to tighten confidentiality around sensitive juvenile court documents.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRestricts juvenile record access to protect privacy, aligning with civil rights in criminal justice reform by limiting disclosure to authorized personnel only.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Juvenile Justice

in committee · Tennessee · Senate Apr 23, 2026

SB 2462: District Attorneys - As introduced, revises the data that district attorneys general are required to include in the annual report submitted to various officials and the public; requires the clerk of every court having jurisdiction over misdemeanor and felony cases to provide the district attorneys general conference direct and unlimited access to the clerk's case management or reporting system for the purposes of complying with the district attorneys general conference's and district attorneys general's statutory reporting requirements. - Amends TCA Title 4 and Title 8.

SB 2462 updates Tennessee's reporting requirements for district attorneys general. It mandates that district attorneys include specific, non-personally identifying data in their annual reports - such as the number of indictments, case transfers, and case dispositions (including dismissals, pleas, and sentences). The bill also requires court clerks to provide district attorneys and the District Attorneys General Conference direct, unlimited access to court case management systems to collect this data. This affects district attorneys, court clerks, and the statewide conference, streamlining data collection without dictating specific reporting systems.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates detailed data collection (indictments, dispositions) and court access for transparency, enhancing oversight and accountability in criminal justice reporting.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Tags Data Reporting

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signed · Tennessee · Senate Apr 29, 2026

SB 2650: Victims' Rights - As enacted, requires a notification of a restorative justice option, which is a voluntary, victim-centered process that may include facilitated communication, conferencing, community repair agreements, or other structured accountability and repair practices, to be provided through a program for victims in Davidson and Shelby counties. - Amends TCA Title 29; Title 36; Title 37; Title 39 and Title 40.

SB 2650 requires Tennessee's attorney general to notify crime victims about escrow accounts holding funds for civil judgments using email, phone calls, and text messages - beyond just direct in-person or mail contact. This change directly affects victims in civil cases where compensation may be available through court-ordered escrow funds. The bill amends specific sections of Tennessee law (Titles 29, 36, 37, 39, and 40) to update notification methods, ensuring victims receive timely information through multiple accessible channels. It focuses on procedural clarity without altering eligibility or funding amounts for victims.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill mandates multi-channel victim notification for civil judgment funds in criminal cases, improving access to compensation. This directly supports victim rights within the criminal justice system's court processes.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Victims' Rights