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TN SB0237

TN SB0237
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 37; Title 39 and Chapter 1007 of the Public Acts of 2024, relative to juvenile offenders.


summary

Introduced
01/21/2025
In Committee
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

114th General Assembly

Bill Summary

As introduced, requires a juvenile 16 years of age or older accused of a delinquent act to be transferred from juvenile court to criminal court to be tried as an adult if the juvenile has a prior adjudication of delinquency for any offense and the juvenile court finds probable cause to believe the juvenile committed the delinquent act. - Amends TCA Title 37; Title 39 and Chapter 1007 of the Public Acts of 2024.

AI Summary

This bill modifies Tennessee's juvenile justice laws to require automatic transfer of certain 16-year-old and older juvenile offenders to criminal court for adult prosecution. Specifically, if a juvenile who is 16 or older has a prior delinquency adjudication (a finding of guilt in juvenile court) and the court finds probable cause to believe they committed a new delinquent act, they will be transferred to criminal court to be prosecuted as an adult. The bill mandates that the juvenile court hold a hearing to determine transfer, with at least 14 days' written notice given to the juvenile and their parent or guardian. The transferred juvenile will be treated as an adult in the criminal justice system, except in cases where they are determined to be developmentally disabled or mentally ill. These changes will take effect on July 1, 2025, and will apply to acts committed on or after that date. The bill aims to create stricter consequences for repeat juvenile offenders by removing some of the protections of the juvenile justice system for those with prior offenses.

Committee Categories

Justice

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Judiciary Committee (on 02/10/2025)

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