Bill > SB0906

This bill, known as the "Tennessee Sexual Violence Justice Act," introduces comprehensive reforms to improve the handling of sexual assault investigations and support for victims. The legislation mandates that all law enforcement personnel involved in sexual assault investigations must complete 16 hours of annual sensitivity training developed by the POST commission, focusing on trauma-informed and victim-centered approaches. The training will cover topics such as recognizing trauma symptoms, understanding cultural perceptions about sexual assault, and using compassionate interviewing techniques. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) will be required to test all sexual assault evidence collection kits within 90 days of receipt, with a specific requirement to test previously untested kits by January 1, 2026. The bill also extends the time limit for filing crime compensation claims related to sexual offenses and modifies eligibility requirements to be more victim-friendly, allowing various forms of documentation to prove an offense and providing waivers for filing delays. Additionally, Sexual Assault Response Teams (SARTs) will gain oversight authority to audit sexual assault crime investigations, and the bill creates a voluntary tax refund allocation option for funding law enforcement training and forensic testing. The provisions aim to improve the criminal justice system's response to sexual violence by prioritizing victim support, thorough evidence processing, and comprehensive law enforcement training.

Justice

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB0906&ga=114