Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

Tennessee House Bill HB0470

Introduced
1/25/23  

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 16; Title 17; Title 25; Title 36; Title 37; Title 38; Title 39 and Title 40, relative to the Gabby Act.

Impact

One of the notable aspects of HB 470 is the introduction of the Purple Alert system, which aims to create a rapid communication channel statewide for locating missing or endangered victims of domestic violence. The TBI will issue alerts upon receiving reports of such individuals, thereby raising public awareness and facilitating quicker responses from law enforcement. The bill also modifies existing statutes to broaden the definition of victims eligible for certain support services to include those affected by domestic abuse, indicating a shift towards more comprehensive victim assistance.

Summary

House Bill 470, known as the Gabby Act, seeks to amend various titles of the Tennessee Code Annotated to enhance the state's legislative framework regarding domestic violence and child abuse. The bill establishes a domestic violence and child abuse task force within the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), designed to assist local law enforcement agencies with serious cases involving domestic violence and child abuse. This task force will have the authority to provide support through resource allocation, surveillance assistance, and witness interviews, which is intended to ensure timely and effective responses to such cases.

Contention

Discussions surrounding HB 470 highlight the balance between enhancing law enforcement’s capacities and ensuring victim rights and privacy. The expansion of the TBI's role through the establishment of the task force and Purple Alert system has raised questions about the adequacy of funding and the implications for local agencies. Critics might argue that while the intent is to bolster support for victims, the increased centralization of response efforts could potentially overlook the nuanced needs of local communities, resulting in a one-size-fits-all approach to addressing domestic violence and child abuse.

Companion Bills

TN SB0303

Crossfiled AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 16; Title 17; Title 25; Title 36; Title 37; Title 38; Title 39 and Title 40, relative to the Gabby Act.

Previously Filed As

TN SB0303

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 16; Title 17; Title 25; Title 36; Title 37; Title 38; Title 39 and Title 40, relative to the Gabby Act.

TN HB0792

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 29; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40 and Title 67, relative to criminal justice.

TN SB0906

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 29; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40 and Title 67, relative to criminal justice.

TN SB2554

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 29; Title 38; Title 39 and Title 40, relative to criminal justice.

TN HB2601

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 29; Title 38; Title 39 and Title 40, relative to criminal justice.

TN SB1055

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 7; Title 16; Title 38; Title 40; Title 55 and Title 57, relative to expunction.

TN HB1257

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 7; Title 16; Title 38; Title 40; Title 55 and Title 57, relative to expunction.

TN HB0430

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 8; Title 10; Title 13; Title 16; Title 29; Title 33; Title 36; Title 37; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 47; Title 49; Title 50; Title 55; Title 58; Title 65; Title 68 and Title 70, relative to firearms.

TN SB0500

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 8; Title 10; Title 13; Title 16; Title 29; Title 33; Title 36; Title 37; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 47; Title 49; Title 50; Title 55; Title 58; Title 65; Title 68 and Title 70, relative to firearms.

TN HB1580

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 8; Title 10; Title 13; Title 16; Title 29; Title 33; Title 36; Title 37; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 47; Title 49; Title 50; Title 55; Title 58; Title 65; Title 68 and Title 70, relative to firearms.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.