Tennessee Senate Bill SB7007

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 8/18/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 8; Title 16 and Title 18, relative to court systems.

Impact

The proposed changes will require the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) to create a new framework that not only enhances the efficiency of court operations but also ensures all data is consistently reported and readily accessible. This centralization is projected to reduce redundancies and improve the management of court records, which could lead to significant advancements in judicial transparency and service delivery within the state. Furthermore, courts are mandated to continue utilizing their existing systems until the new framework is fully implemented, ensuring a smooth transition.

Summary

Senate Bill 7007 aims to amend various titles within the Tennessee Code Annotated to develop and implement a centralized system for managing court processes. The legislation seeks to establish an integrated approach for case management, document management, electronic case filing, and electronic payment methods, as well as data reporting for state and local courts. This initiative is driven by the need for uniformity and accessibility in reporting public case-level data across the state's judicial system.

Contention

Discussions surrounding SB7007 may focus on the capabilities and costs associated with implementing such a centralized system. Stakeholders might express concerns over the financial implications of ongoing costs and maintenance required for this new system, particularly regarding the budget and resources of local courts. Moreover, there might be debates over the control of data collection responsibilities and the impact on clerks of court as they adapt to new reporting requirements under the AOC's direction.