HB 792 Tennessee House · 114th Regular Session (2025-2026)

Sexual Offenses - As introduced, enacts the "Tennessee Sexual Violence Justice Act," making various changes to the requirements for investigating sexual offenses. - Amends TCA Title 29; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40 and Title 67.

HB 792, the "Tennessee Sexual Violence Justice Act," requires law enforcement officers investigating sexual assault to complete annual trauma-informed, victim-centered training (16 hours minimum) through the POST commission, with curriculum developed in collaboration with victim advocates and healthcare providers. It mandates the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) to test all previously untested sexual assault evidence kits by January 2026 (prioritizing ongoing cases) and to test new kits within 90 days of receipt starting July 2025, requiring annual reports on testing timelines. The bill directly affects law enforcement personnel, the TBI, and victims of sexual assault by standardizing investigative practices and evidence processing. Key provisions include mandatory mock assessments for training, specific interview techniques emphasizing victim safety, and DNA profiling protocols for CODIS databases.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 5, 2025 Last action Mar 26, 2025
Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
6
Key actions
2
Committee
4
Mar 26, 2025
Lower · Passed
Def. to Summer Study in Criminal Justice Subcommittee
lower
Mar 19, 2025
Lower · Passed
Placed on s/c cal Criminal Justice Subcommittee for 3/26/2025
lower
Feb 10, 2025
Committee
Assigned to s/c Criminal Justice Subcommittee
lower
Feb 6, 2025
Committee
P2C, ref. to Judiciary Committee - Government Operations for Review
lower
Feb 5, 2025
Introduced
Intro., P1C.
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Aftyn Behn
Aftyn Behn
DDemocratic
TN
51