Tennessee House Bill HB2221

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/2/26
• Refer: 3/4/26
• Refer: 3/25/26
• Refer: 4/1/26
• Engrossed: 4/9/26
• Enrolled: 4/10/26
• Passed: 4/27/26
• Chaptered: 5/5/26

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 8; Title 16; Title 18; Title 40 and Title 67, Chapter 4, Part 6, relative to victim notification systems.

Summary

HB2221 amends Tennessee’s victim notification framework by requiring clerks of the criminal courts to provide the Tennessee Sheriffs’ Association with all court data needed to administer the criminal proceedings notification system. The bill is focused on improving the flow of court information so that the notification system can operate effectively and keep victims informed about criminal proceedings. The measure is narrow in scope and does not create a new notification program; instead, it strengthens the existing system by directing a specific data-sharing obligation to criminal court clerks. It takes effect immediately upon becoming law, reflecting the legislature’s view that the change is needed without delay for public welfare purposes.

Impact

The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated section 40-38-507, which governs criminal proceedings notification systems, by adding a new duty for clerks of criminal courts to supply necessary court data to the Tennessee Sheriffs’ Association. This change affects court administration, data sharing, and the operation of victim notification services, and it may improve the timeliness and completeness of notices sent to victims and other interested parties.

Sentiment

The bill appears to have enjoyed strong and unanimous support throughout the legislative process. It passed the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee, the House Judiciary Committee, and the House floor without any recorded dissenting votes, indicating broad agreement that the change was practical and beneficial. The immediate effective date also suggests a sense of urgency and consensus around improving victim notification procedures.

Contention

There is little evidence of substantive controversy in the available record. The only notable issue is the administrative burden and data-sharing responsibility placed on criminal court clerks, who must provide court data to the Tennessee Sheriffs’ Association. However, the unanimous committee and floor votes suggest that any concerns about implementation were either minimal or resolved before passage.