Criminal Justice (Courts)

in committee · Tennessee · Senate May 26, 2026

SB 1937: Children - As enacted, adds the commissioner of mental health and substance abuse services, and one at large member with experience advocating for children, to the Tennessee second look commission; revises certain severe and aggravated child abuse offenses to include offenses involving strangulation; authorizes a court to order a child's custodian to submit certain documentation of compliance with preventative pediatric care consistent with the periodicity schedule of the American Academy of Pediatrics in certain situations; authorizes the department of children's services to initiate a visit to ascertain the wellbeing of a child if such documentation contains allegations of abuse or neglect. - Amends TCA Title 37; Title 38; Title 39 and Title 40.

SB 1937 amends Tennessee laws related to child abuse and child sexual abuse by adding the commissioner of mental health and substance abuse services to the Second Look Commission. It updates how abuse cases are reviewed (replacing "second or subsequent incident" with "case being reviewed") and expands the commission’s access to state agency records needed for its work. The bill also updates definitions to include "strangulation" in abuse and neglect contexts and modifies child protective team responsibilities. These changes directly affect children in abuse cases, child protective teams, and the Second Look Commission’s operations. The bill takes effect in 2026, with most provisions delayed until July 1.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens child abuse oversight by expanding the Second Look Commission and clarifying severe offenses, enhancing accountability and protection within the criminal justice system.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Tags Children

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signed · Tennessee · House Apr 21, 2026

HJR 1474: Memorials, Recognition - 21st District Recovery Court, 25th anniversary -

This bill honors the 21st District Recovery Court in Tennessee on its twenty-fifth anniversary. The resolution recognizes the program's work since 2001 in helping nonviolent offenders recover from addiction through a combination of accountability and support. It highlights the court's success in reducing recidivism and helping participants regain employment and family stability. The bill is a commemorative measure that does not change any laws or policies.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill recognizes a program reducing recidivism and aiding offender rehabilitation, aligning with criminal justice reform goals.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

introduced · Tennessee · House Feb 5, 2026

HB 2197: Health Care - As introduced, authorizes an individual to submit a request for a pre-application determination of eligibility for an occupational license based on criminal history either in writing or electronically, rather than exclusively in writing, and updates the provision regarding judicial review to clarify that the 30-day window to petition the Davidson County chancery court is triggered by the receipt of either written or electronic notice of disqualification. - Amends TCA Title 63 and Title 68.

HB 2197 allows individuals seeking health care licenses in Tennessee to request a pre-application eligibility check based on criminal history both in writing and electronically, not just in writing. It updates the process by clarifying that the 30-day window to challenge a disqualification notice in court begins when the notice is received - whether sent by mail or electronically. This directly affects people with criminal records applying for health care licenses (e.g., nurses, pharmacists). The bill amends Tennessee Code Sections 63-1-130(b) and (c) to implement these procedural changes.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeClarifies process for license eligibility with criminal history, reducing barriers to healthcare employment - aligns with criminal justice reform by aiding reintegration.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill streamlines healthcare licensing for individuals with criminal records by enabling electronic requests and clarifying court challenge timelines, improving access to healthcare professions.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

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in committee · Tennessee · Senate Mar 11, 2026

SB 2555: Health Care - As introduced, authorizes an individual to submit a request for a pre-application determination of eligibility for an occupational license based on criminal history either in writing or electronically, rather than exclusively in writing, and updates the provision regarding judicial review to clarify that the 30-day window to petition the Davidson County chancery court is triggered by the receipt of either written or electronic notice of disqualification. - Amends TCA Title 63 and Title 68.

SB 2555 allows individuals with criminal histories to request pre-application eligibility determinations for health care licenses either in writing or electronically, rather than only in writing. It directly affects applicants seeking Tennessee health care licenses (e.g., nursing, pharmacy) who must disclose criminal records. The bill updates procedures so that licensing authorities must provide written or electronic notice of disqualification, and the 30-day window to challenge this in Davidson County court begins when the applicant receives either form of notice. These changes clarify and modernize the process for applicants while maintaining existing disqualification standards.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeFacilitates reentry by easing licensing barriers for individuals with criminal records, aligning with criminal justice reform goals to reduce recidivism.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

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in committee · Tennessee · Senate Feb 5, 2026

SB 2420: Sentencing - As introduced, reduces the time within which a sentencing hearing must be held from within 45 days after a finding of guilt to within 30 days after the finding of guilt. - Amends TCA Title 38; Title 39 and Title 40.

SB 2420 (Tennessee) shortens the deadline for holding sentencing hearings in criminal cases from 45 days to 30 days after a guilty verdict. This change directly affects defendants convicted of crimes and the state court system, requiring faster scheduling of sentencing. The bill amends Tennessee Code Sections in Titles 38, 39, and 40 to implement this timeline reduction. It takes effect on July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeShortens sentencing hearing timeline from 45 to 30 days, aligning with criminal justice reform goals to reduce delays and improve system efficiency without restricting rights or increasing sentences.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Sentencing

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in committee · Tennessee · House Apr 29, 2026

HB 2352: Court Rules - As enacted, requires each juvenile court, through the juvenile court clerk or juvenile court staff, each month within the statewide juvenile case management system prescribed by the administrative office of the courts to report to the administrative office of the courts each new dependency and neglect case, including for each child named in the petition, certain information. - Amends TCA Title 37, Chapter 1.

HB 2352 restricts access to juvenile court records in delinquency and unruly proceedings to specific court personnel, prosecutors, and public defenders when handling cases involving children. It amends Tennessee law to require that only judges, court staff, district attorneys, and public defenders may view these records while performing official duties related to child cases. The bill explicitly prohibits unauthorized disclosure of this information, reinforcing confidentiality protections for minors in juvenile court matters. This change directly affects minors involved in juvenile court cases and ensures their records are only accessible to authorized legal professionals handling their cases.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRestricts juvenile court record access to protect minors' privacy, reinforcing confidentiality in criminal justice proceedings per bill's explicit language.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Juvenile Justice

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signed · Tennessee · Senate May 27, 2026

SB 2468: Criminal Offenses - As enacted, makes revisions to law relative to offenses occurring at a house of worship. - Amends TCA Title 29 and Title 39.

SB 2468 requires Tennessee courts to impose a mandatory fine equal to at least twice the cost of property damage or restoration when vandalism occurs at a house of worship (like a church, synagogue, or mosque). This applies specifically to sentencing for vandalism offenses committed at these locations, directly affecting both the convicted individual and the affected house of worship. The bill amends Tennessee criminal code to add this penalty as part of the sentence, overriding standard sentencing guidelines for such cases. It takes effect July 1, 2026, if passed.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeMandates doubled fines for vandalism at houses of worship, increasing sentencing severity per TCA amendments, aligning with 'increases mandatory sentences' indicator.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Sentencing

in committee · Tennessee · Senate Feb 5, 2026

SB 2666: Elder Abuse - As introduced, requires the court to set a date for a deposition to preserve testimony in a case in which an alleged offense against an elderly or vulnerable adult has been committed within 45 days, rather than 60 days, of the filing of the original motion to preserve testimony. - Amends TCA Title 39 and Title 71.

SB 2666 shortens the deadline for courts to schedule depositions in elder abuse cases from 60 to 45 days after a motion to preserve testimony is filed. This applies specifically to cases involving alleged offenses against elderly or vulnerable adults under Tennessee law. The bill amends Tennessee Code Sections 39-15-504 and 71 to implement this timeline change. It directly affects courts, prosecutors, and defense attorneys handling these cases by requiring faster scheduling. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeShortens deposition timeline in elder abuse cases (vulnerable victims), enhancing court efficiency and victim protection within criminal justice system.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

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in committee · Tennessee · Senate Apr 23, 2026

SB 2465: Criminal Offenses - As introduced, prohibits a juvenile adjudicated delinquent for conduct that, if committed by an adult, would constitute the offense of threatening to commit an act of mass violence from purchasing or possessing a firearm until the juvenile reaches 25; prohibits a person appropriately licensed by the federal government from selling a firearm to a person who is ineligible to possess a firearm pursuant to any court order or under any law of this state; increases penalties for sexual exploitation of a minor offenses. - Amends TCA Title 37 and Title 39.

SB 2465 prohibits juveniles adjudicated delinquent for threatening mass violence (as defined in existing Tennessee law) from purchasing or possessing firearms until age 25. It also requires federally licensed firearm dealers to verify a buyer’s eligibility under state law or court orders before selling. The bill significantly increases penalties for sexual exploitation of minors by raising felony classifications based on the quantity of materials involved (e.g., 50+ images become a Class B felony, 100+ become Class A). These changes amend Tennessee Code Sections 37-1-190, 39-17-1307, 39-17-1316, 39-17-1351, 39-17-1352, and sections related to sexual exploitation offenses (39-17-1003 to 39-17-1005). The bill takes effect July 1, 2026.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeIncreases penalties for sexual exploitation offenses and restricts juvenile firearm access, aligning with tough-on-crime measures rather than reform.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Firearms Juvenile Justice

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in committee · Tennessee · House Feb 5, 2026

HB 2467: Probation and Parole - As introduced, permits a trial judge to revoke a defendant's probation for a felony or misdemeanor based on one instance of technical violation; extends the permitted terms of incarceration a court may impose for a technical violation to 90 days for a first revocation, 180 days for a second revocation, and the remainder of the sentence for a third or subsequent revocation. - Amends TCA Title 40.

HB 2467 changes Tennessee's probation revocation rules for technical violations (like missing meetings or failing drug tests, not new crimes). It allows judges to revoke probation after just one technical violation and sets specific incarceration limits: up to 90 days for a first revocation, 180 days for a second, and the full remaining sentence for third or more revocations. The bill requires judges to use a "preponderance of evidence" standard (not beyond reasonable doubt) for these decisions. This directly affects individuals on probation for felony or misdemeanor offenses in Tennessee who breach non-criminal probation terms.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeIncreases probation revocations for minor technical violations with lower evidence standard, extending incarceration terms - restricts defendant rights and moves away from rehabilitation-focused reform.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Courts Probation & Parole

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