SB 481 Tennessee Senate · 114th Regular Session (2025-2026)

Forfeiture of Assets - As enacted, removes the requirement for a claimant to post a bond when filing a claim to seized property. - Amends TCA Title 40, Chapter 33.

SB 481 removes a requirement for individuals or entities claiming seized property to post a bond when filing a claim under Tennessee's asset forfeiture laws. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Sections 40-33-205(a) and 40-33-206(b) to eliminate the need for a "cost bond" in forfeiture proceedings. This change directly affects people challenging law enforcement seizures of property, making it easier to contest such seizures without upfront financial barriers. The law takes effect July 1, 2025, applying to all seizures occurring on or after that date.
Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Apr 2025
Senate Passage
Apr 2025
House Passage
Apr 2025
Signed into Law
May 2025
Introduced Feb 10, 2025 Signed May 2, 2025
Floor votes · House Apr 15, 2025

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
23
Key actions
10
Committee
6
May 2, 2025
Signed into law
Signed by Governor.
lower
Apr 21, 2025
Upper · Passed
Signed by Senate Speaker
upper
Apr 21, 2025
Lower · Passed
Signed by H. Speaker
lower
Apr 15, 2025
Lower · Passed
Passed H., Ayes 95, Nays 0, PNV 0
lower
Apr 14, 2025
Upper · Passed
Passed Senate, Ayes 32, Nays 0
upper
Apr 8, 2025
Lower · Passed
Recommended for passage, refer to Senate Calendar Committee
lower
Apr 1, 2025
Lower · Passed
Placed on Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee calendar for 4/8/2025
lower
Mar 18, 2025
Lower · Passed
Recommended for passage, refer to Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee
lower
Mar 17, 2025
Lower · Passed
Placed on Senate Judiciary Committee calendar for 3/18/2025
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 Adam Lowe
Adam Lowe
RRepublican
TN
1