Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

Tennessee House Bill HB1640

Introduced
1/5/24  
Refer
1/10/24  
Refer
1/30/24  
Refer
2/6/24  
Refer
3/27/24  
Refer
4/2/24  
Engrossed
4/15/24  
Enrolled
4/15/24  
Passed
4/23/24  

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 16; Title 33; Title 37; Title 39 and Title 40, relative to mental health.

Impact

The proposed amendments would significantly impact Tennessee law regarding mental health and criminal justice interactions. Specifically, the bill solidifies procedures for the commitment of individuals facing serious charges while ensuring that public safety considerations are prioritized. By clarifying the conditions under which competency to stand trial is evaluated and established, the bill aims to promote a more structured process that balances individual rights with the necessity of protecting the community.

Summary

House Bill 1640, known as 'Jillian's Law', seeks to amend various sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated pertaining to mental health and judicial commitment procedures. The bill establishes clearer guidelines for individuals who are found incompetent to stand trial, particularly those charged with felony or Class A misdemeanor offenses. It introduces a rebuttable presumption regarding judicial commitments, making it easier for courts to commit individuals deemed a risk to themselves or others, while also setting standards for outpatient treatment plans if competency cannot be restored.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding HB 1640 appears to support its objectives, particularly among lawmakers concerned about public safety and mental health issues. Advocates argue that the legislation is a necessary step to ensure those with mental health challenges receive appropriate treatment while preventing potential risks they may pose. However, there are concerns about the balance between effective treatment and civil liberties, raising potential discussions regarding how these provisions are implemented in practice.

Contention

Notable points of contention involve the implications of the rebuttable presumption for judicial commitment, which could lead to increased commitments without adequate safeguards for individual rights. Critics fear that the policies could reflect a punitive approach towards mental health, potentially leading to unjust outcomes, especially for marginalized individuals. As such, the discussion on HB 1640 might further evolve as more stakeholders assess its practical applications and consequences for both mental health treatment and criminal justice.

Companion Bills

TN SB1769

Crossfiled AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 16; Title 33; Title 37; Title 39 and Title 40, relative to mental health.

Previously Filed As

TN HB2064

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 16; Title 36; Title 37; Title 39; Title 40; Title 49 and Title 65, relative to weapons.

TN SB2467

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 16; Title 36; Title 37; Title 39; Title 40; Title 49 and Title 65, relative to weapons.

TN HB1737

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 16; Title 36; Title 37; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 49 and Title 65, relative to firearms.

TN SB1851

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 16; Title 36; Title 37; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 49 and Title 65, relative to firearms.

TN HB2514

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 16; Title 36; Title 37; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 49; Title 55 and Title 65, relative to weapons.

TN SB2478

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 16; Title 36; Title 37; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 49; Title 55 and Title 65, relative to weapons.

TN SB2302

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 16; Title 36; Title 37; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 49; Title 55 and Title 65, relative to firearms.

TN SB1248

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 8; Title 33; Title 39; Title 49; Title 53; Title 56; Title 63; Title 68 and Title 71, relative to mental health.

TN HB1291

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 8; Title 33; Title 39; Title 49; Title 53; Title 56; Title 63; Title 68 and Title 71, relative to mental health.

TN HB0206

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 33 and Title 52, relative to mental health.

Similar Bills

TN HB2560

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 9; Title 13; Title 16; Title 39; Title 55; Title 58; Title 62; Title 65; Title 68 and Title 71, relative to emergency management.

TN SB2248

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 9; Title 13; Title 16; Title 39; Title 55; Title 58; Title 62; Title 65; Title 68 and Title 71, relative to emergency management.

TN HB1189

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Chapter 7; Title 8; Title 10; Title 33; Title 36; Title 37; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 49; Title 50; Title 57; Title 67; Title 68 and Title 70, relative to firearms.

TN SB1227

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Chapter 7; Title 8; Title 10; Title 33; Title 36; Title 37; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 49; Title 50; Title 57; Title 67; Title 68 and Title 70, relative to firearms.

TN HB0806

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Chapter 7; Title 8; Title 10; Title 33; Title 36; Title 37; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 49; Title 50; Title 57; Title 67; Title 68 and Title 70, relative to firearms.

TN SB0329

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 1; Title 2; Title 3; Title 4; Title 5; Title 7; Title 8; Title 9; Title 10; Title 11; Title 12; Title 13; Title 16; Title 20; Title 22; Title 24; Title 31; Title 33; Title 36; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 43; Title 44; Title 45; Title 47; Title 48; Title 49; Title 50; Title 53; Title 54; Title 55; Title 56; Title 61; Title 62; Title 63; Title 64; Title 65; Title 66; Title 67; Title 68; Title 69 and Title 71, relative to electronic transmissions.

TN HB0321

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 1; Title 2; Title 3; Title 4; Title 5; Title 7; Title 8; Title 9; Title 10; Title 11; Title 12; Title 13; Title 16; Title 20; Title 22; Title 24; Title 31; Title 33; Title 36; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 43; Title 44; Title 45; Title 47; Title 48; Title 49; Title 50; Title 53; Title 54; Title 55; Title 56; Title 61; Title 62; Title 63; Title 64; Title 65; Title 66; Title 67; Title 68; Title 69 and Title 71, relative to electronic transmissions.

TN SB2585

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Chapter 29; Title 8, Chapter 50; Title 33; Title 36; Title 52; Title 56; Title 63 and Title 68, relative to therapists.