Tennessee Senate Bill SB0219

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/16/25
• Failed: 3/17/25

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 37, relative to delinquent acts.

Impact

The bill establishes specific financial standards for restitution, setting minimum amounts depending on whether the delinquent act would be classified as a misdemeanor or felony if committed by an adult. The minimum restitution amounts are proposed to be $250 for misdemeanors and $500 for felonies, with an upper limit of $1,000. Moreover, in cases of financial hardship where the parent or guardian cannot pay, the court has the authority to mandate community service in lieu of restitution, which introduces a form of alternative punitive measures that emphasize rehabilitation over financial penalties.

Summary

Senate Bill 219, also known as SB0219, proposes amendments to the Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically Title 37 concerning juvenile delinquent acts. One of the key aspects of this bill is the introduction of financial restitution tied to the actions of delinquent minors. It specifies that if a child is found delinquent for a second time, the court may impose restitution on the parent or guardian for the financial costs incurred by law enforcement. For a third delinquent act, the restitution becomes mandatory, indicating a shift towards holding parents accountable for their children's behavior.

Contention

The amendments brought forth in SB0219 might raise significant discussions regarding fairness and accountability within family structures. Proponents argue that this measure encourages parental responsibility and could deter juvenile crime by involving parents directly in the consequences of their children's actions. Conversely, critics may raise concerns about the potential financial burdens that could be placed on indigent families and how this may detract from rehabilitative efforts for both the minor and the parent. There is also the question of whether imposing financial consequences effectively addresses the root causes of juvenile delinquency.

Implementation

If enacted, SB0219 is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, which allows for some time to prepare for its implications on the juvenile justice system, parental duties, and local law enforcement agencies. The impact of this bill will likely be closely monitored to evaluate its effectiveness in reducing juvenile delinquency rates and its implications on familial relationships in the context of accountability.