Criminal Justice (Probation & Parole)

in committee · Tennessee · House Mar 25, 2026

HB 2229: Sentencing - As introduced, establishes parole criteria for certain persons convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to imprisonment for life; specifies that if a person is convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to imprisonment for life, then the sentence must automatically expire after the person has served 40 years. - Amends TCA Title 39, Chapter 13 and Title 40, Chapter 35.

HB 2229 establishes a parole pathway for individuals convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life imprisonment between 1995 and 2020, directly affecting roughly 1,300 Tennessee inmates currently serving life terms. The bill allows parole eligibility after 25 years if inmates meet specific criteria: avoiding violent misconduct for 10 consecutive years (saving 10 years), avoiding drug violations for 10 years (saving 10 years), earning a college degree (saving 10 years), or completing five mandated correctional programs (saving 5 years). If parole isn’t granted, life sentences automatically expire after 40 years of incarceration. The law applies retroactively to eligible inmates as of July 2026, with parole decisions mandatory upon meeting all requirements.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEstablishes parole pathway after 25 years for life-sentence inmates meeting rehabilitation criteria (e.g., college degree, no misconduct), reducing long-term incarceration and promoting reform through structured rehabilitation pathways.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole Sentencing

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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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in committee · Tennessee · House Mar 25, 2026

HB 2285: Sentencing - As introduced, increases from one year to three years the amount of time a defendant receiving a split sentence of confinement and probation may be required to serve a portion of the sentence in continuous confinement in the local jail or workhouse; specifies that the state is responsible for all costs of incarceration after the first year. - Amends TCA Title 40 and Title 41.

HB 2285 changes Tennessee sentencing rules for defendants receiving split sentences (part jail time, part probation). It increases the maximum continuous jail time from one year to three years for such sentences, while requiring the state to cover all incarceration costs after the first year. This directly affects criminal defendants sentenced under these terms, particularly those serving split sentences in local jails or workhouses. The law amends Tennessee Code Annotated Sections 40-35-306 and 40-35-314, effective July 1, 2026.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeIncreases mandatory continuous jail time from 1 to 3 years for split sentences, expanding incarceration duration. State covers costs after first year but does not reduce sentence length, aligning with 'increases mandatory sentences' oppose indicator.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole Sentencing

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in committee · Tennessee · Senate Feb 2, 2026

SB 2663: Sentencing - As introduced, increases from one year to three years the amount of time a defendant receiving a split sentence of confinement and probation may be required to serve a portion of the sentence in continuous confinement in the local jail or workhouse; specifies that the state is responsible for all costs of incarceration after the first year. - Amends TCA Title 40 and Title 41.

SB 2663 modifies Tennessee sentencing rules for defendants receiving split sentences (part jail time, part probation). It extends the mandatory continuous jail time from one year to three years for such cases, and requires the state to cover all incarceration costs after the first year. This directly affects individuals convicted of crimes who are sentenced to split confinement and probation. The bill amends Tennessee Code Sections 40-35-306 and 40-35-314, effective July 1, 2026.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeIncreases mandatory jail time from 1 to 3 years for split sentences, directly expanding punitive sentencing without reform elements.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole Sentencing

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in committee · Tennessee · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 2343: Sentencing - As introduced, establishes parole criteria for certain persons convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to imprisonment for life; specifies that if a person is convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to imprisonment for life, then the sentence must automatically expire after the person has served 40 years. - Amends TCA Title 39, Chapter 13 and Title 40, Chapter 35.

SB 2343 changes parole rules for individuals convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life imprisonment between July 1, 1995, and June 30, 2020. It establishes a minimum 25-year sentence before parole eligibility, with up to 35 years reduced through specific criteria: 10 years for 10 years without violent misconduct, 10 years for 10 years drug-free, 10 years for completing an accredited degree, and 5 years for finishing required correctional programs. If parole criteria aren't met, the sentence automatically expires after 40 years of incarceration. The bill applies retroactively to eligible inmates already serving life sentences as of July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill establishes rehabilitation incentives (education, drug-free, programs) for parole eligibility, reducing mandatory life sentences. Aligns with reform goals of reducing recidivism through rehabilitation-focused sentencing.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole Sentencing

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in committee · Tennessee · House Feb 5, 2026

HB 2582: Sentencing - As introduced, increases from one year to three years the amount of time a defendant receiving a split sentence of confinement and probation may be required to serve a portion of the sentence in continuous confinement in the local jail or workhouse; specifies that the state is responsible for all costs of incarceration after the first year. - Amends TCA Title 40 and Title 41.

HB 2582 modifies Tennessee sentencing rules for defendants receiving split sentences (part jail, part probation). It increases the mandatory continuous jail time from one to three years for such sentences and requires the state to cover all incarceration costs after the first year. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Sections 40-35-306(a) and 40-35-314(a) to implement these changes. This directly affects individuals sentenced under split confinement terms who would previously have served less time in jail. The policy change shifts state responsibility for long-term incarceration costs beyond the initial year.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeIncreases mandatory continuous jail time from 1 to 3 years for split sentences, expanding incarceration without rehabilitation focus95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole Sentencing

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failed · Tennessee · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 2619: Sentencing - As introduced, increases from one year to three years the amount of time a defendant receiving a split sentence of confinement and probation may be required to serve a portion of the sentence in continuous confinement in the local jail or workhouse; specifies that the state is responsible for all costs of incarceration after the first year. - Amends TCA Title 40 and Title 41.

SB 2619 changes Tennessee sentencing rules for defendants receiving a split sentence (part jail time, part probation). It increases the required continuous jail time from one year to three years for such cases, and specifies that the state must cover all jail costs after the first year. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Sections 40-35-306 and 40-35-314 to implement these changes. This directly affects criminal defendants in Tennessee who are sentenced to split confinement and probation. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeIncreases mandatory jail time from 1 to 3 years for split sentences, reducing judicial discretion and defendant rights per criminal justice reform indicators.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole Sentencing

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in committee · Tennessee · Senate May 26, 2026

SB 2531: Correctional Programs - As enacted, creates the state families of incarcerated individuals advisory board within the department of correction for the purposes of assisting the families of incarcerated individuals. - Amends TCA Title 4, Chapter 29 and Title 41.

SB 2531 creates a state family advisory board within Tennessee's Department of Correction. The board, composed of nine family members of currently incarcerated individuals (appointed equally by the governor, Senate Speaker, and House Speaker), aims to improve communication between correctional facilities and families. Key provisions require the board to meet monthly, hold three annual public meetings across Tennessee's regions, and provide feedback on department activities to support family reunification and successful reentry. This bill directly affects families of incarcerated individuals by establishing a formal channel for their input on correctional programs. The board will operate without pay but receive travel reimbursement for official duties, with the bill taking effect July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeCreates family advisory board to improve communication between correctional facilities and families of incarcerated individuals, promoting rehabilitation and family reunification within correctional system.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole

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signed · Tennessee · House May 26, 2026

HB 2111: Correctional Programs - As enacted, creates the state families of incarcerated individuals advisory board within the department of correction for the purposes of assisting the families of incarcerated individuals. - Amends TCA Title 4, Chapter 29 and Title 41.

HB 2111 creates a state family advisory board within Tennessee's Department of Correction to directly support families of incarcerated individuals. The board will consist of nine appointed family members (including grandparents, parents, spouses, or other relatives), with three members selected by the governor and one from each of Tennessee's three grand divisions by the legislative leaders. Key provisions require the board to foster communication between families and the correctional department, strengthen family reunification efforts, support community reentry, and provide feedback on department activities through regular meetings and three annual public forums. The board will operate without pay but receive travel reimbursement, with members serving three-year terms starting in 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeCreates family advisory board to support incarcerated individuals' families, fostering communication and aiding rehabilitation - directly aligns with criminal justice reform goals to reduce recidivism.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole

in committee · Tennessee · Senate May 26, 2026

SB 2388: Criminal Procedure - As enacted, revises present law that authorizes the attorney general to bring an action to enforce compliance with the Tennessee Abortion-Inducing Drug Risk Protocol Act or intervene as a matter of right in a case in which the constitutionality of such act is challenged. - Amends TCA Title 38; Title 39 and Title 40.

SB 2388 changes three key aspects of Tennessee's criminal justice system. It raises the monthly fee defendants must pay toward supervision costs from $10 to $15 (affecting individuals under community supervision). It also changes penalties for illegally possessing a telecommunication device in prison, making it a full Class E felony (not limited to fines). Finally, it requires municipalities to cover autopsy costs requested by local law enforcement, unless the state pays instead (directly affecting local government budgets). These changes take effect July 1, 2026.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeIncreases defendant supervision fees, toughens prison device penalties to full felony, and shifts autopsy costs - restrictive measures opposing reform efforts95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Law Enforcement Probation & Parole

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