Bill > HB1861

This bill, amending Tennessee Code Annotated Title 40, Chapter 35, establishes a new rule for felony probation violations related to drug offenses. Specifically, if a judge determines by a "preponderance of the evidence" (meaning it's more likely than not) that a defendant on probation or a suspended sentence for a felony has committed a drug offense, and this is the first time this has happened, the judge must order the defendant to attend a substance abuse treatment program instead of revoking their probation or suspended sentence. This change aims to prioritize treatment for first-time drug-related probation violations for felony offenses.