Criminal Justice (Judges)

SB 221 allows Tennessee courts to use juvenile court records - including past dispositions and evidence - in pretrial reports for setting bond in certain criminal cases. It requires magistrates to consider a defendant's prior juvenile record when determining their risk of danger to the community. This change directly affects individuals with prior juvenile court involvement who are facing criminal charges and undergoing bond hearings. The bill amends Tennessee Code sections 37-1-133, 37-1-153, and 40-11-118 to permit this use of juvenile records, which were previously prohibited in non-juvenile court proceedings.

SB 218 creates a presumption that defendants charged with offenses involving firearm use/display or causing serious injury/death should not be released on personal recognizance before trial. This directly affects individuals facing these specific charges and requires magistrates to document written reasoning if they override this presumption. The bill mandates that magistrates include specific written findings for each factor considered when determining bail, rather than relying on general discretion. It amends Tennessee Code Annotated § 40-11-115 and takes effect July 1, 2025.