Bill > SJR0009

This resolution proposes a constitutional amendment to Article I, Section 35 of the Tennessee Constitution to comprehensively define and expand the rights of crime victims throughout the criminal and juvenile justice systems. The proposed amendment establishes 13 specific rights for victims, including the right to be treated with fairness and dignity, to receive notice of criminal proceedings, to be present and heard during proceedings, to be protected from harassment, to receive restitution, to be informed about the offender's sentencing and release, and to confer with prosecutors. The amendment specifies that victims can assert these rights but not as a direct party to legal proceedings, and it grants the General Assembly authority to enact laws implementing and protecting these rights. Importantly, the resolution stipulates that these rights do not create a basis for overturning convictions, do not restrict prosecutorial or judicial authority, and do not provide a cause of action for damages. The proposed amendment will be submitted to Tennessee voters during the November 2026 general election, where they will decide whether to ratify these expanded victim rights into the state constitution.

Justice

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SJR0009&ga=114