Bill > HB0077

This bill modifies Tennessee's juvenile justice system by mandating that juveniles aged 16 and older with a prior delinquency adjudication must be automatically transferred to criminal court to be tried as adults if certain conditions are met. Specifically, if a juvenile who is 16 or older is accused of a new delinquent act and has a previous delinquency record, the juvenile court must transfer the case to criminal court after finding probable cause that the juvenile committed the alleged act, provided the juvenile is not committable to an institution for developmental disabilities or mental illness. The bill requires a hearing to determine transfer eligibility, with at least 14 days' written notice given to the juvenile and their guardian. Additionally, the bill makes corresponding technical amendments to other sections of Tennessee Code to align with this new transfer provision. The changes will take effect on July 1, 2025, and will apply to acts committed on or after that date, effectively expanding the circumstances under which juvenile offenders can be prosecuted in adult criminal court.

Justice

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB0077&ga=114