HB 1861 modifies Tennessee's probation rules for felony offenders who violate probation by committing a drug offense. For a first-time violation involving a drug offense, the bill requires judges to order substance abuse treatment instead of revoking probation and suspension of sentence. The law applies when a judge finds by "more likely than not" evidence that the violation occurred. This change aims to prioritize treatment over punishment for initial drug-related probation breaches.
HB 2035 creates a new criminal court (Part IX) within Tennessee's 30th judicial district, effective September 1, 2026. It requires the governor to appoint a judge to serve until September 2028, after which voters in the district will elect a judge in the August 2028 general election for an initial eight-year term. The judge elected in 2028 will serve until September 2030, with subsequent judges elected for full eight-year terms. This bill directly affects the 30th judicial district's criminal court operations and the election process for its judges.
HB 1814 allows courts to let individuals convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) involving alcohol or opioids choose between two options: using a vehicle equipped with an ignition interlock device or receiving naltrexone injections for 12 months at their own expense. If the person opts for naltrexone, the court must include reporting requirements for the treatment as a probation condition, and failure to comply could lead to probation revocation. The bill directly affects DUI offenders in Tennessee who face sentencing for alcohol or opioid-related violations. It amends Tennessee law to provide this alternative to ignition interlock devices, effective July 1, 2026.
SB 2038, the "No Corporate Land Giveaways Act," requires Tennessee state agencies to notify legislative leaders and local representatives 30 days before leasing or selling state-owned property to private companies for development. It mandates that such transfers cannot proceed without approval from the joint government operations committee within 30 days, or the deal is automatically denied. The bill directly affects state agencies like the commissioner of general services and the state capitol commission when handling land transactions with private entities. This procedural change aims to add legislative oversight to state land transfers, ensuring transparency before property is given to private developers.
SB 2012 requires Tennessee Senate and House speakers to establish equal numbers of legislative conferences or conference days for all members to receive expense and mileage allowances. It standardizes the count of approved conferences (defined as meetings related to state business, like workshops or symposiums) for both chambers. The bill ensures Senate and House members receive identical reimbursement opportunities for these events, without creating new benefits or altering substantive policies. This procedural change takes effect in 2026.
SB 1933 requires Tennessee's Department of Correction to provide inmate records to any state legislator upon written request. Legislators must specify the inmate's name and sign a confidentiality agreement before reviewing records, which must remain in the department's possession during the review. The bill enables legislators to check whether correction laws are being followed for inmates in custody. It does not change existing laws but creates a process for legislative oversight of correctional compliance.
HB 1812 expands Tennessee's assisted suicide law to include intentionally advising or encouraging someone to commit suicide within an imminent timeframe, provided the person knows the other has communicated suicidal intent. This directly affects individuals who provide verbal encouragement or advice to someone actively considering suicide. The bill adds a new provision defining this specific conduct as a criminal offense, while maintaining that general assisted suicide remains a Class D felony (Class C if the victim is a minor). The law would take effect July 1, 2026, applying to acts committed after that date.
HB 1734 requires Tennessee's Department of Children's Services to record all interviews with children during investigations of alleged abuse, neglect, or dependency using audio or video. This applies to department employees conducting such interviews, with limited exceptions for technical issues or unforeseen circumstances that prevent recording. Recordings must be kept confidential under existing law, and the bill specifies that unrecorded interviews remain admissible as evidence in court. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, and amends multiple Tennessee Code sections related to child welfare.
HB 1999, the "No Corporate Land Giveaways Act," requires Tennessee state agencies to provide 30 days' written notice to relevant legislators before transferring public land to private entities for development. It directly affects state agencies like the commissioner of general services and private developers seeking public property. The key mechanism mandates that the joint government operations committee must approve such transfers within 30 days, or the transfer is automatically denied. This bill does not ban land transfers but creates a formal review process for private development projects involving state-owned property. The bill is currently pending in the State & Local Government Committee as of February 2026.
SB 1977 (Tennessee Code Annotated § 40-35-311(h)) modifies probation rules for felony offenders who violate probation by committing a drug offense. It requires trial judges, for the first violation of this type, to order substance abuse treatment instead of revoking probation - based on a preponderance of evidence. This applies directly to individuals on probation for felony drug offenses who breach probation terms. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, and aims to prioritize treatment over immediate probation revocation for first-time violations.
SB 1976 requires Tennessee law enforcement agencies using body cameras to create written policies governing their use. The policies must mandate officers activate cameras during calls for service and public encounters (except during immediate threats), keep them on until the interaction ends, and notify people being recorded. Exceptions include asking occupants before entering homes without a warrant, victims of domestic abuse or sexual assault, and anonymous crime reporters if they request the camera be turned off. The bill directly affects all Tennessee police departments and officers using body cameras, ensuring consistent recording practices while protecting privacy in specific sensitive situations.
HB 2001 modifies Tennessee's criminal law for HIV exposure by adding a new defense for people with HIV who are charged with criminal exposure. If a person with HIV can prove they were following their healthcare provider's prescribed treatment to medically suppress transmission risk, this becomes a valid defense in court. The defense must be proven by showing it is more likely than not true (a "preponderance of evidence"). This directly affects individuals with HIV facing criminal charges related to potential exposure, changing how such cases are evaluated under current law.
