Criminal Justice (Probation & Parole)

in committee · Tennessee · House Mar 25, 2026

HB 2229: Sentencing - As introduced, establishes parole criteria for certain persons convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to imprisonment for life; specifies that if a person is convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to imprisonment for life, then the sentence must automatically expire after the person has served 40 years. - Amends TCA Title 39, Chapter 13 and Title 40, Chapter 35.

HB 2229 establishes a parole pathway for individuals convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life imprisonment between 1995 and 2020, directly affecting roughly 1,300 Tennessee inmates currently serving life terms. The bill allows parole eligibility after 25 years if inmates meet specific criteria: avoiding violent misconduct for 10 consecutive years (saving 10 years), avoiding drug violations for 10 years (saving 10 years), earning a college degree (saving 10 years), or completing five mandated correctional programs (saving 5 years). If parole isn’t granted, life sentences automatically expire after 40 years of incarceration. The law applies retroactively to eligible inmates as of July 2026, with parole decisions mandatory upon meeting all requirements.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEstablishes parole pathway after 25 years for life-sentence inmates meeting rehabilitation criteria (e.g., college degree, no misconduct), reducing long-term incarceration and promoting reform through structured rehabilitation pathways.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole Sentencing

Track

in committee · Tennessee · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 2343: Sentencing - As introduced, establishes parole criteria for certain persons convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to imprisonment for life; specifies that if a person is convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to imprisonment for life, then the sentence must automatically expire after the person has served 40 years. - Amends TCA Title 39, Chapter 13 and Title 40, Chapter 35.

SB 2343 changes parole rules for individuals convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life imprisonment between July 1, 1995, and June 30, 2020. It establishes a minimum 25-year sentence before parole eligibility, with up to 35 years reduced through specific criteria: 10 years for 10 years without violent misconduct, 10 years for 10 years drug-free, 10 years for completing an accredited degree, and 5 years for finishing required correctional programs. If parole criteria aren't met, the sentence automatically expires after 40 years of incarceration. The bill applies retroactively to eligible inmates already serving life sentences as of July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill establishes rehabilitation incentives (education, drug-free, programs) for parole eligibility, reducing mandatory life sentences. Aligns with reform goals of reducing recidivism through rehabilitation-focused sentencing.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole Sentencing

Track

in committee · Tennessee · Senate May 26, 2026

SB 2531: Correctional Programs - As enacted, creates the state families of incarcerated individuals advisory board within the department of correction for the purposes of assisting the families of incarcerated individuals. - Amends TCA Title 4, Chapter 29 and Title 41.

SB 2531 creates a state family advisory board within Tennessee's Department of Correction. The board, composed of nine family members of currently incarcerated individuals (appointed equally by the governor, Senate Speaker, and House Speaker), aims to improve communication between correctional facilities and families. Key provisions require the board to meet monthly, hold three annual public meetings across Tennessee's regions, and provide feedback on department activities to support family reunification and successful reentry. This bill directly affects families of incarcerated individuals by establishing a formal channel for their input on correctional programs. The board will operate without pay but receive travel reimbursement for official duties, with the bill taking effect July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeCreates family advisory board to improve communication between correctional facilities and families of incarcerated individuals, promoting rehabilitation and family reunification within correctional system.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole

Track

signed · Tennessee · House May 26, 2026

HB 2111: Correctional Programs - As enacted, creates the state families of incarcerated individuals advisory board within the department of correction for the purposes of assisting the families of incarcerated individuals. - Amends TCA Title 4, Chapter 29 and Title 41.

HB 2111 creates a state family advisory board within Tennessee's Department of Correction to directly support families of incarcerated individuals. The board will consist of nine appointed family members (including grandparents, parents, spouses, or other relatives), with three members selected by the governor and one from each of Tennessee's three grand divisions by the legislative leaders. Key provisions require the board to foster communication between families and the correctional department, strengthen family reunification efforts, support community reentry, and provide feedback on department activities through regular meetings and three annual public forums. The board will operate without pay but receive travel reimbursement, with members serving three-year terms starting in 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeCreates family advisory board to support incarcerated individuals' families, fostering communication and aiding rehabilitation - directly aligns with criminal justice reform goals to reduce recidivism.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole

died · Tennessee · House Feb 2, 2026

HB 2033: Sentencing - As introduced, requires a sentencing court to order every convicted person to perform a certain number of community service hours in addition to any other punishment imposed for the criminal violation. - Amends TCA Title 40.

HB 2033, as introduced, would require Tennessee courts to mandate community service hours for most convicted individuals starting July 1, 2026. Felony convicts (excluding those sentenced to death, life without parole, or 100% prison time) would need to complete 80 hours, while misdemeanor convicts (excluding traffic offenses or fines-only cases) would need 40 hours. The service must be performed through approved organizations or programs, documented in writing, and verified by the court before probation or parole release. This bill would directly affect people convicted of non-exempt criminal offenses in Tennessee, adding a mandatory community service component to sentencing.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates community service as rehabilitative sentencing alternative, reducing incarceration and aligning with reform goals like recidivism reduction.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole Sentencing

Track

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

Track

signed · Tennessee · Senate May 4, 2026

SB 1740: Courts, Juvenile - As enacted, expands the disposition allowed when a person under 21 is found to have unlawfully purchased, possessed, accepted receipt of, or presented fraudulent proof of age to purchase tobacco, smoking hemp, a vapor product, or a smokeless nicotine product to include requiring community service work, the successful completion of a prescribed court program, or placing the person on an informal adjustment for a period of 90 days for a first violation, and, for a second or subsequent violation, placing the person on probation for up to six months in addition to requiring community service and the successful completion of a prescribed court program focusing on the dangers of tobacco and vapor products. - Amends TCA Title 39, Chapter 17, Part 15.

SB 1740 changes penalties for individuals under 21 who illegally purchase or possess tobacco, vaping, or nicotine products. For a first violation, courts may now require community service (up to 50 hours), completion of a court program about product dangers, or a 90-day informal adjustment. For second or subsequent violations, courts must add up to six months of probation (along with community service and the program). Parents or guardians of minors may face a $10-$50 civil penalty, and the law takes effect July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeShifts penalties to rehabilitation-focused alternatives (community service, education programs) for juvenile tobacco offenses, reducing punitive measures and aligning with criminal justice reform principles.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Juvenile Justice Probation & Parole

in committee · Tennessee · Senate Mar 25, 2026

SB 1977: Probation and Parole - As introduced, specifies that if the trial judge finds by a preponderance of the evidence that the defendant has violated conditions of probation and suspension of sentence for a felony offense by engaging in conduct that constitutes a drug offense, then for the first instance of such a violation, the trial judge must order the defendant to attend a substance abuse treatment program and must not revoke the defendant's probation and suspension of sentence. - Amends TCA Title 40, Chapter 35.

SB 1977 (Tennessee Code Annotated § 40-35-311(h)) modifies probation rules for felony offenders who violate probation by committing a drug offense. It requires trial judges, for the first violation of this type, to order substance abuse treatment instead of revoking probation - based on a preponderance of evidence. This applies directly to individuals on probation for felony drug offenses who breach probation terms. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, and aims to prioritize treatment over immediate probation revocation for first-time violations.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill mandates substance abuse treatment over probation revocation for first drug-related violations, prioritizing rehabilitation and reducing punitive measures per criminal justice reform indicators.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates substance abuse treatment for first-time drug offense probation violations, prioritizing healthcare access over probation revocation per TCA §40-35-311(h).95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Judges Probation & Parole Substance Abuse

Track

in committee · Tennessee · House Mar 25, 2026

HB 1814: DUI Offenses - As introduced, allows a person convicted of driving under the influence of an intoxicant involving alcohol or opioids to agree to receive naltrexone injections at the person's own expense for a period of 12 continuous months in lieu of being required to operate only a motor vehicle equipped with an ignition interlock device. - Amends TCA Title 39; Title 40 and Title 55, Chapter 10.

HB 1814 allows courts to let individuals convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) involving alcohol or opioids choose between two options: using a vehicle equipped with an ignition interlock device or receiving naltrexone injections for 12 months at their own expense. If the person opts for naltrexone, the court must include reporting requirements for the treatment as a probation condition, and failure to comply could lead to probation revocation. The bill directly affects DUI offenders in Tennessee who face sentencing for alcohol or opioid-related violations. It amends Tennessee law to provide this alternative to ignition interlock devices, effective July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill offers treatment (naltrexone) as alternative to punitive ignition interlock, promoting rehabilitation for DUI offenders with substance use, aligning with criminal justice reform indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Drug Policy Probation & Parole

Track

introduced · Tennessee · House Jan 21, 2026

HB 1638: Correction, Dept. of - As introduced, increases from 90 to 100 days of receiving a valid judgment of conviction for when the department has to notify the victim witness coordinator of the scheduled parole hearing date when the inmate will be eligible for parole consideration. - Amends TCA Title 39 and Title 40.

HB 1638 extends the timeframe for the Tennessee Department of Correction to notify victims about parole hearings. It changes the deadline from 90 to 100 days after a court conviction for inmates eligible for parole consideration. This affects the Department of Correction (which must send notifications) and victim witness coordinators (who receive them). The bill amends Tennessee law to give the Department an extra 10 days for this notification process, effective July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeExtends victim notification timeline for parole hearings, enhancing victim rights and procedural transparency in criminal justice85% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Courts Probation & Parole

Track