AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 38; Title 39; Title 40 and Title 55, relative to criminal law.
Summary
HB0489 makes a narrow change to Tennessee’s diversion law in Title 40. It replaces the existing language in Tennessee Code Annotated § 40-36-105(2) to require the responsible entity to conduct statewide public education about the purposes and goals of the diversion chapter and to submit an annual report by February 1 on the effectiveness of diverting offenders from state correctional institutions.
In practical terms, the bill focuses on outreach and accountability rather than changing eligibility rules or sentencing standards. It directs reporting to the House committee with jurisdiction over criminal justice, the Senate Judiciary Committee, and the Fiscal Review Committee, which suggests an emphasis on oversight of diversion programs and their performance.
Impact
The bill amends Tennessee’s criminal code provisions governing diversion from state correctional institutions by adding a statewide public education duty and an annual reporting requirement. It does not appear to alter substantive criminal penalties, but it does affect the administrative responsibilities of the agency or office charged with implementing diversion, and it creates a recurring reporting obligation to legislative committees.
Sentiment
The available voting history shows unanimous support in committee, with the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee voting 9-0 and the House Judiciary Committee voting 19-0 to recommend passage. That pattern suggests the bill was viewed favorably and as a low-conflict administrative update to existing criminal justice policy. No committee transcript is available, so there is no recorded debate to indicate opposition.
Contention
There is little visible contention in the available record. The bill appears to be a technical or oversight-oriented amendment, and the unanimous committee votes indicate broad agreement. If any concern existed, it would likely have centered on the added administrative/reporting burden or the effectiveness of diversion programs, but no specific objections are documented in the provided materials.
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 8; Title 10; Title 16; Title 37; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 41 and Title 55, relative to criminal justice.
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 8; Title 10; Title 16; Title 37; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 41 and Title 55, relative to criminal justice.
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 36; Title 37; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 41; Title 55; Title 62; Title 63 and Title 71, relative to criminal law.
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 36; Title 37; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 41; Title 55; Title 62; Title 63 and Title 71, relative to criminal law.