Bill > SB1708

This bill, effective July 1, 2026, amends Tennessee law regarding who can secure the release of a defendant from jail, often referred to as posting bail. It defines "family" to include relatives within the third degree of kinship or anyone living in the same household, and "legal guardian" as someone with court-ordered authority over a minor. Generally, only the defendant, their family, legal guardian, employer, or a licensed professional bondsman can arrange for a defendant's release. Any other entity wishing to post bail must be specifically approved for each bond and is limited to posting bail for a single defendant only once per year, and for no more than $5,000 per defendant annually. The bill also changes the term "bonding agent" to "proposed surety" in a related section of law.