Bill > SB1977

This bill amends Tennessee law regarding probation and suspension of sentence for felony offenses, specifically when a defendant violates probation by engaging in conduct that constitutes a drug offense. If a judge determines, based on a "preponderance of the evidence" (meaning it's more likely than not), that a defendant on probation for a felony has committed a drug offense for the first time, the judge must order the defendant to attend a substance abuse treatment program instead of revoking their probation and suspended sentence. This change aims to prioritize treatment for first-time drug-related probation violations for felony offenses.