AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 16, Chapter 2, relative to the thirtieth judicial district.
Summary
HB2035 amends Tennessee law governing the thirtieth judicial district to create one additional criminal court judgeship, designated as Part IX, effective September 1, 2026. The bill provides that the governor will initially appoint the judge, who will serve until September 1, 2028, or until a successor is elected and qualified. The office would then be filled by election at the August 2028 general election, with the elected judge serving a term through September 1, 2030, after which the position moves to the district’s regular eight-year election cycle.
The bill also deletes an existing subdivision in Tennessee Code Annotated § 16-2-506, which is part of the statutory framework for the thirtieth judicial district. In practical terms, the measure expands the criminal court capacity in that district and updates the code to reflect the new judgeship and its transition from appointment to election.
Impact
HB2035 changes the structure of the criminal court system in Tennessee’s thirtieth judicial district by adding a new judgeship and establishing the process for filling it. It affects Tennessee Code Annotated Title 16, Chapter 2, specifically the provisions governing judicial districts and criminal court organization, and it will require gubernatorial appointment, later voter election, and administrative adjustments to court operations in the district.
Sentiment
The available legislative history suggests the bill was received favorably, at least at the subcommittee stage, where it was recommended for passage on a 7-0 vote. No committee transcript is provided, so there is no recorded debate in the materials, but the unanimous vote indicates broad support and little visible opposition in the available record.
Contention
No specific points of contention are documented in the provided materials. The main policy issue inherent in the bill is whether the thirtieth judicial district needs an additional criminal court judge and the timing of creating that position, but the vote record does not show disagreement. Any concerns would likely relate to judicial workload, cost, or district court administration, though none are explicitly stated here.
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 2; Title 8; Title 16; Title 17; Title 18; Title 22; Title 23; Title 24; Title 25; Title 26; Title 27; Title 37; Title 38; Title 39 and Title 40, relative to the Violent Criminal Court Act.
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.