SB 455 Tennessee Senate · 114th Regular Session (2025-2026)

Probation and Parole - As introduced, removes the limitations on the board of parole's authority to deny parole based solely on the seriousness of the offense for certain offenses to allow denial based on the seriousness of the offense for any offense. - Amends TCA Title 40, Chapter 35, Part 5.

SB 455 would have removed a restriction on Tennessee's parole board, allowing it to deny parole based solely on the seriousness of an offense for *any* crime - not just specific offenses previously covered. This change would directly affect incarcerated individuals in Tennessee whose parole eligibility is reviewed by the board. The bill amended Tennessee Code Annotated § 40-35-503(b)(2)(A) to remove the phrase requiring parole denial to "depreciate the seriousness of the crime," broadening the board's authority. The bill was signed by legislative leaders but vetoed by the Governor on May 5, 2025, so it did not become law.
Bill status vetoed 4 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Mar 2025
Senate Passage
Apr 2025
House Passage
Apr 2025
Vetoed
May 2025
Introduced Feb 10, 2025 Vetoed May 5, 2025
Floor votes · Senate Mar 27, 2025 · House Apr 16, 2025

How they voted

274
Passed · 1 other
Total votes 32
Mar 27, 2025
D Democratic5
1 Yea 4 Nay
80% Nay
R Republican27
26 Yea 1
96% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
17
Key actions
6
Committee
3
May 5, 2025
Vetoed
Vetoed by Governor.
lower
Apr 22, 2025
Upper · Passed
Signed by Senate Speaker
upper
Apr 22, 2025
Lower · Passed
Signed by H. Speaker
lower
Apr 16, 2025
Lower · Passed
Passed H., Ayes 75, Nays 16, PNV 0
lower
Mar 27, 2025
Upper · Passed
Passed Senate, Ayes 22, Nays 4, PNV 1
upper
Mar 17, 2025
Lower · Passed
Recommended for passage, refer to Senate Calendar Committee
lower
Mar 12, 2025
Lower · Passed
Placed on Senate Judiciary Committee calendar for 3/18/2025
lower
Feb 12, 2025
Committee
Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Judiciary Committee
upper
Feb 10, 2025
Introduced
Introduced, Passed on First Consideration
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Paul Rose
Paul Rose
RRepublican
TN
32