Bill > HB0524

This bill allows defendants in Tennessee to request a transfer of their criminal case to a veterans treatment court program in a neighboring county under specific conditions. The transfer is possible if the veterans treatment court in the contiguous county would have jurisdiction over the case, the defendant provides a written waiver of their right to be tried by a jury in the original county of the crime, and the district attorney general of the target county agrees to accept the case. The bill specifically applies to a county with a population between 220,000 and 220,100 people (based on the 2020 federal census), which appears to be aimed at Montgomery County. The purpose seems to be to provide veterans with more flexible access to specialized treatment court programs that can address underlying issues related to their criminal charges, such as mental health or substance abuse challenges stemming from military service. The bill would amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 16 and Title 40, and would take effect immediately upon becoming law.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB0524&ga=114