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.
HB 1861 modifies Tennessee's probation rules for felony offenders who violate probation by committing a drug offense. For a first-time violation involving a drug offense, the bill requires judges to order substance abuse treatment instead of revoking probation and suspension of sentence. The law applies when a judge finds by "more likely than not" evidence that the violation occurred. This change aims to prioritize treatment over punishment for initial drug-related probation breaches.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 22, 2026
Last action Mar 25, 2026
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
6
Key actions
2
Committee
4
Mar 25, 2026
Lower · Passed
Taken off notice for cal in s/c Criminal Justice Subcommittee of Judiciary Committee
lower
Mar 18, 2026
Lower · Passed
Placed on s/c cal Criminal Justice Subcommittee for 3/25/2026
lower
Feb 2, 2026
Committee
P2C, ref. to Judiciary Committee
lower
Feb 2, 2026
Committee
Assigned to s/c Criminal Justice Subcommittee
lower
Jan 22, 2026
Introduced
Intro., P1C.
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Shaundelle Brooks
DDemocratic
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