Bill > HB1343

This bill amends Tennessee law regarding the electronic monitoring indigency fund, specifically focusing on ignition interlock devices for individuals who cannot afford them. The bill redefines "indigent" and establishes new criteria for determining financial hardship, with the state treasurer now automatically considering a person indigent if they receive funds from certain government assistance programs like SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), or state Medicaid. Under the new law, individuals deemed indigent will be required to pay a minimum of $30 per month toward device costs, with the remaining costs (up to $170 per month) covered by the state fund. For alternative monitoring devices, courts will still conduct hearings to determine indigency, considering factors such as income, expenses, household size, employment status, and other financial circumstances. Device providers must now submit reimbursement claims within 90 days of a court order, accompanied by specific documentation, and individuals must provide consent for the court to verify their eligibility for assistance programs. The goal of the bill is to ensure that financial constraints do not prevent individuals from complying with court-ordered monitoring devices while also creating a standardized process for determining and supporting indigent individuals.

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https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB1343&ga=114