Bill
Bill > SB2161
TN SB2161
TN SB2161AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 39 and Title 40, relative to bail.
summary
Introduced
02/02/2026
02/02/2026
In Committee
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
Potential new amendment
114th General Assembly
Bill Summary
As introduced, removes the requirement that a court enter into state or federal databases a bench warrant or a capias issued due to a defendant's failure to appear for a misdemeanor that is violent or sexual in nature or a felony that is not violent or sexual in nature; extends the time period in which the court must enter bench warrant or capias for failure to appear on a felony from three to 10 business days; authorizes, rather than requires, the court to relieve the surety of liability for an undertaking if the defendant has not been placed on the available state or federal list or databases. - Amends TCA Title 39 and Title 40.
AI Summary
This bill modifies Tennessee law regarding bail and warrants, specifically concerning what happens when a defendant fails to appear in court. Previously, courts were required to enter bench warrants or capias (court orders for arrest) into state and federal databases for all felonies and certain misdemeanors. This bill removes that requirement for bench warrants or capias issued for a defendant's failure to appear on a misdemeanor that is violent or sexual in nature, or a felony that is not violent or sexual in nature. For felonies, the bill extends the timeframe for a court to enter a bench warrant or capias from three to ten business days. Additionally, the bill changes the court's ability to relieve a surety (a person or entity that guarantees a defendant's appearance in court, often a bail bondsman) of liability for an undertaking (the bail bond agreement) from being mandatory to being optional, if the defendant has not been listed in available state or federal databases within ten business days of the warrant or capias being received by the issuing agency.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Companion House Bill substituted (on 04/09/2026)
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/Default?BillNumber=SB2161&ga=114 |
| Amendment 1-0 to SB2161 | https://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/114/Amend/SA0912.pdf |
| Fiscal Memo for SA0912 (16633) | https://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/114/Fiscal/FM3028.pdf |
| Fiscal Note - SB2161 | https://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/114/Fiscal/SB2161.pdf |
| BillText | https://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/114/Bill/SB2161.pdf |
Loading...