Bill

Bill > SB0218


TN SB0218

TN SB0218
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 40, relative to pretrial release for certain offenses.


summary

Introduced
01/16/2025
In Committee
Crossed Over
03/13/2025
Passed
03/26/2026
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
03/30/2026

Introduced Session

114th General Assembly

Bill Summary

As enacted, establishes a presumption that a defendant should not be released on the defendant’s personal recognizance if the defendant is charged with a felony offense that involved the use or display of a firearm or resulted in the serious bodily injury or death of the victim; requires a magistrate who determines that the presumption has been rebutted to include in the bail order written findings for each factor considered in making such a determination. - Amends TCA Title 40.

AI Summary

This bill establishes a presumption that a defendant should not be released from jail before their trial on their own promise to appear in court (known as "personal recognizance") if they are charged with a felony offense that involved using or showing a firearm, or if the offense caused serious bodily injury or death to a victim. "Serious bodily injury" is defined as an injury that creates a substantial risk of death or causes serious permanent disfigurement or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ. If a judge or other official decides that this presumption can be overcome, they must provide written reasons for their decision, explaining each factor they considered when setting bail. This change to Tennessee law will take effect on July 1, 2026.

Committee Categories

Justice

Sponsors (3)

Last Action

Effective date(s) 07/01/2026 (on 03/30/2026)

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