Bill > SB1133

This bill amends Tennessee law regarding bench warrants and procedures for defendants who fail to appear in court for felonies or certain misdemeanors. Specifically, the bill requires judicial officials to sign bench warrants or capias (a type of arrest warrant) by the end of the next business day after a defendant's failure to appear, and mandates that court clerks transmit these warrants to the entering agency by the end of the next business day. The bill stipulates that the entering agency must then place the defendant on available state or federal lists or databases, such as the National Crime Information Center (NCIC). A key provision states that a surety (bail bondsman) will not be liable for the defendant's bond if the warrant is not entered into these databases within three business days of receipt. Additionally, if a defendant is apprehended outside the state, the district attorney general must decide within one business day whether to initiate extradition proceedings. The bill will take effect on July 1, 2025, with the stated purpose of serving the public welfare.

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https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB1133&ga=114