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Bill > SB1599
TN SB1599
TN SB1599AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 39 and Title 40, relative to court costs.
summary
Introduced
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
In Committee
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
114th General Assembly
Bill Summary
As introduced, prohibits a court from assessing court costs against a defendant in a criminal proceeding if the defendant is found not guilty by a jury or by a judge following a bench trial on all charges for which the defendant was accused, the prosecution is dismissed or a nolle prosequi is entered by the state, or the charges against the defendant are dismissed by the court. - Amends TCA Title 39 and Title 40.
AI Summary
This bill, amending Tennessee Code Annotated Titles 39 and 40, prohibits courts from charging a defendant with court costs in criminal proceedings under specific circumstances. These circumstances include when a defendant is found not guilty by a jury or a judge in a bench trial for all accusations, when the state dismisses the prosecution or enters a "nolle prosequi" (meaning the state decides not to proceed with the case), or when the court itself dismisses the charges against the defendant. This change aims to ensure that individuals who are not convicted of any crime are not held financially responsible for the costs associated with their legal proceedings.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Judiciary Committee (on 01/14/2026)
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB1599&ga=114 |
| BillText | https://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/114/Bill/SB1599.pdf |
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