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Bill > HB1721
TN HB1721
TN HB1721AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 39 and Title 40, relative to court costs.
summary
Introduced
01/20/2026
01/20/2026
In Committee
01/22/2026
01/22/2026
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 proposes to amend Tennessee law concerning court costs in criminal proceedings by adding a new provision that prohibits courts from charging defendants for these costs under specific circumstances. Specifically, if a defendant is found not guilty by a jury or a judge after a bench trial (a trial without a jury), or if the prosecution is dismissed by the state (which can include a "nolle prosequi," a formal declaration that the prosecutor will not proceed with the case), or if the court itself dismisses the charges, the defendant will not be assessed court costs. This change aims to ensure that individuals who are not convicted of any crime are not financially penalized for the legal process.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Assigned to s/c Criminal Justice Subcommittee (on 01/22/2026)
bill text
bill summary
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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=HB1721&ga=114 |
| BillText | https://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/114/Bill/HB1721.pdf |
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