Bill > SJR0025

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment to Tennessee's Article I, Section 15 regarding bail, significantly expanding the list of offenses for which bail can be denied when the proof is evident or the presumption is great. The proposed amendment would allow bail to be denied for specific serious crimes including capital offenses, terrorism, second-degree murder, aggravated rape of a child, aggravated rape, grave torture, and any offense where a convicted defendant would not be eligible for release until at least 85% of their sentence is served. Additionally, the resolution requires judges or magistrates to document their specific reasons for granting or denying bail in cases involving these serious offenses. The proposed amendment will be submitted to Tennessee voters during the November 2026 general election, where citizens will decide whether to adopt the changes to the state constitution. If approved, this amendment would provide more discretion to judicial officials in determining bail eligibility for serious criminal offenses, potentially enhancing public safety by restricting bail for individuals charged with particularly heinous crimes.

Justice

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SJR0025&ga=114