Correction, Dept. of - As enacted, requires the department to conduct a study concerning subjects related to access of family members to incarcerated persons for visitation; requires the department to report its findings to each member of the general assembly and to provide a copy of the report to the legislative librarian by no later than January 31, 2027. - Amends TCA Title 41, Chapter 51.

SB 1159, the "Proximity Placement and Family Visitation Incentive Act," allows eligible incarcerated individuals in Tennessee to transfer to correctional facilities closer to their home counties if they meet specific criteria. It directly affects inmates who maintain good behavior for at least 12 months and participate in rehabilitation programs, as well as their families who face travel costs or hardship visiting them. The bill’s key mechanism requires inmates to demonstrate good conduct and program participation to qualify for transfer, with priority given to those with regular family visitation records or documented economic hardship from travel. The Tennessee Department of Correction must track visitation metrics, transfer requests, and outcomes to implement the law. This policy aims to strengthen family bonds, reduce recidivism, and lower financial burdens on low-income families.