Bill > HB0661

This bill, known as the "Comprehensive Assault Crime Intervention Act," introduces several key changes to Tennessee law regarding assault and domestic violence. The bill mandates that judges require defendants convicted of assault or domestic violence to complete a certified batterer's intervention program, with specific requirements including a program duration between 26 and 48 weeks, each session lasting at least three hours, and a maximum participant-to-counselor ratio of 6:1. The legislation also requires the administrative office of the courts and the domestic violence state coordinating council to establish a comprehensive policy and continuing education curriculum on domestic violence and assault for judges and court personnel, requiring at least 12 hours of training per year. Furthermore, the bill modifies existing statutes to clarify that defendants cannot be allowed to complete less than the full term of an intervention program and must attend individual counseling that addresses violence and control issues. Additionally, the bill expands provisions related to alternative sentencing and allows judges to direct defendants to complete drug or alcohol treatment programs alongside the mandatory intervention program. The new law is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, with the stated purpose of improving intervention and education around domestic violence and assault.