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Bill > SB0475
TN SB0475
TN SB0475AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 37; Title 39, Chapter 13, Part 2 and Title 40, relative to criminal sentencing.
summary
Introduced
01/29/2025
01/29/2025
In Committee
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
03/25/2025
03/25/2025
Introduced Session
114th General Assembly
Bill Summary
As introduced, reduces the percentage of sentence that a person convicted of first degree murder on or after July 1, 1995, and sentenced to life imprisonment is required to serve before becoming eligible for release from 100 percent of 60 years less sentence credits earned and retained to 60 percent of 60 years less sentence credits earned and retained; prohibits a defendant becoming eligible for parole before serving 25 years of the sentence, if the defendant was 25 years of age or younger at the time of the offense, or 30 years of the sentence, if the defendant was 26 years of age or older at the time of the offense. - Amends TCA Title 37; Title 39, Chapter 13, Part 2 and Title 40.
AI Summary
This bill modifies Tennessee's sentencing guidelines for first-degree murder, specifically addressing parole eligibility for individuals sentenced to life imprisonment. Currently, those convicted of first-degree murder after July 1, 1995, must serve 100% of a 60-year sentence before being eligible for release. The bill reduces this requirement to 60% of a 60-year sentence, but introduces new minimum service periods based on the offender's age at the time of the crime. If the offender was 25 years old or younger when the offense was committed, they must serve at least 25 full calendar years before becoming eligible for parole. For offenders who were 26 years or older at the time of the offense, the minimum service period increases to 30 full calendar years. Despite potential sentence credits or other mechanisms for reducing prison time, these minimum service periods will be strictly enforced. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and will apply retroactively to offenses committed on or after July 1, 1995, potentially impacting both current and future inmates convicted of first-degree murder in Tennessee.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Failed in Senate Judiciary Committee (on 03/25/2025)
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB0475&ga=114 |
| Fiscal Note - SB0475 | https://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/114/Fiscal/SB0475.pdf |
| BillText | https://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/114/Bill/SB0475.pdf |
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