Bill > SB0252

This bill modifies Tennessee's criminal injuries compensation program by changing how the maximum compensation award is calculated and updated. Specifically, the bill requires the state treasurer to compare Tennessee's maximum award limit with the average maximum award limits of other states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands every three years starting January 1, 2026, instead of annually. The maximum award will continue to be set at 105% of the national average, rounded up to the nearest $100. If the calculated maximum award would decrease, the state treasurer must obtain written approval from key legislative finance committee chairs before publishing the reduced amount. The treasurer must publish the adjusted maximum award on the department's website by May 1 of the comparison year, with the new amount taking effect on July 1 and applying to claims for crimes occurring on or after that date. The bill also explicitly states that this adjustment process is not considered a formal rule-making process and is exempt from the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act. By June 30, 2025, the treasurer must publish the maximum compensation award for claims related to crimes occurring on or after July 1, 2025.

Justice

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB0252&ga=114