Bill > SB0673

This bill, known as the "Comprehensive Assault Crime Intervention Act," introduces several key changes to Tennessee law regarding assault and domestic violence cases. The legislation mandates that judges require defendants convicted of certain assault offenses to complete batterer's intervention programs that are certified by the domestic violence state coordinating council. These programs must run between 26 and 48 weeks, with each meeting lasting at least three hours and maintaining a participant-to-counselor ratio of no more than 6-to-1 and a maximum of 10 participants per course. The bill also requires judges to ensure defendants attend individual counseling addressing violence and control issues, and it expands requirements for judges and court personnel to receive at least 12 hours of annual continuing education specifically focused on domestic violence and assault. If a defendant fails to complete the mandated intervention program, the judge may revoke their alternative sentencing and order execution of the original sentence. Additionally, the bill modifies certain statutory references related to assault offenses and establishes more structured guidelines for intervention programs. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, with the stated purpose of improving responses to and prevention of assault and domestic violence.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB0673&ga=114