Sen. Raumesh Akbari

Maddy summarySB 2664 amends Tennessee's aggravated assault law to include "brandishing" a deadly weapon as a factor that elevates an assault to aggravated assault. It defines "brandish" as waving or exhibiting a weapon in a manner a reasonable person would interpret as a threat to use it. This change directly affects individuals charged with assault involving weapon display, making such acts subject to harsher penalties under aggravated assault. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 2665 requires Tennessee courts to mandate GPS monitoring as a bail condition for defendants charged with specific serious offenses - including those involving firearms, violence, domestic assault, vehicle burglary, reckless driving, drag racing, or repeat crimes - unless the court documents in writing that the defendant poses no threat to victims or public safety. It applies to cases where the defendant was arrested for one of these listed offenses. Courts must report monthly data on defendants under GPS monitoring to the Administrative Office of the Courts, which will compile an annual statewide report for legislative committees. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 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.

Maddy summarySB 1976 requires Tennessee law enforcement agencies using body cameras to create written policies governing their use. The policies must mandate officers activate cameras during calls for service and public encounters (except during immediate threats), keep them on until the interaction ends, and notify people being recorded. Exceptions include asking occupants before entering homes without a warrant, victims of domestic abuse or sexual assault, and anonymous crime reporters if they request the camera be turned off. The bill directly affects all Tennessee police departments and officers using body cameras, ensuring consistent recording practices while protecting privacy in specific sensitive situations.

Maddy summarySB 2095 increases Tennessee's legal possession limit for marijuana from one-half ounce to five ounces, meaning possession within this new range remains a misdemeanor offense. It sets a $500 fine for a first offense and $1,000 for subsequent offenses, replacing the previous penalties. The bill directly affects individuals possessing between 0.5 and 5 ounces of marijuana, adjusting both the legal threshold and financial penalties. The changes take effect on July 1, 2026, and amend Tennessee Code Annotated Sections 39-17-417 and 39-17-418.

Maddy summarySB 833 requires Tennessee law enforcement officers to help serve orders of protection when they witness one being entered but the person hasn't been served. Specifically, officers must notify the sheriff's department of the person's location and other helpful details to facilitate service. The bill also mandates that the state's peace officer training curriculum include instruction on these requirements. This applies directly to law enforcement officers and sheriff's departments, aiming to improve enforcement of existing protection orders under Tennessee law.

Maddy summarySB 1182 requires local community corrections advisory boards in Tennessee to submit an annual report to their county legislative body by February 1 each year, detailing progress on community corrections programs. This bill amends specific sections of Tennessee law (Titles 8, 16, 37, 39, 40, and 41) to establish this reporting requirement. The bill directly affects community corrections advisory boards and county legislative bodies by mandating a standardized annual update on program effectiveness. It does not change sentencing laws or program content, only the reporting process.

Maddy summarySB 1187 requires courts to mandate GPS monitoring for defendants released on bail in specific cases, including those accused of firearm offenses, domestic assault, vehicle burglary, reckless driving, drag racing, or repeat crimes under certain statutes. It directly affects defendants charged with these offenses who are granted bail, unless a court determines they no longer pose a threat to victims or public safety. The bill adds reporting requirements for courts to track monthly GPS usage and submit annual county-level data to legislative committees. Key provisions include mandating GPS as a bail condition for listed offenses and requiring courts to document factors for release decisions. The law amends multiple Tennessee Code sections to implement these changes.

Maddy summarySB 1186 requires juvenile courts to allow children accused of delinquency or unruly behavior to wear GPS tracking devices when released before a hearing, with the monitoring company notifying the court-appointed guardian if the child violates release instructions. It also mandates that students expelled for threatening mass violence at school must complete counseling and a mental health evaluation before returning, regardless of expulsion completion. The evaluation must be conducted by approved providers on an outpatient basis, with results kept confidential except as required by law. Parents or the student (if 18+) are responsible for the costs of these required services. The bill amends Tennessee laws related to juvenile justice and school discipline.

Maddy summarySB 662 creates a legal presumption that defendants charged with specific serious crimes must undergo emergency mental health evaluations if a court has already ordered such evaluations to assess competency or mental state at the time of the crime. It applies to offenses where, if convicted, the person would serve at least 85% of their sentence before release eligibility. The presumption can only be overturned with "clear and convincing evidence" that the person does not pose an imminent substantial risk of serious harm. This bill modifies Tennessee's mental health evaluation procedures under Titles 33, 40, and 52 of state law.