Appeal and Review - As enacted, authorizes criminal defendants who plead guilty, best interest, or no contest to also petition for a writ of error coram nobis based on evidence that was, through no fault of the defendant, unknown to the defendant at the time of the plea. - Amends TCA Title 40.

HB 601 allows criminal defendants in Tennessee who pleaded guilty, "best interest," or no contest to later petition for a new trial based on new evidence that was unknown to them at the time of their plea, through no fault of their own. The law creates a specific court process: defendants file a verified petition with no fee, and if the court finds the claim has merit, a hearing is scheduled where the defendant must prove the new evidence establishes actual innocence. If proven, the court vacates the conviction and orders a new trial; if not, the petition is dismissed. This law applies to all convictions regardless of trial type (jury or plea) and takes effect July 1, 2025.