Tennessee Senate Bill SB1055

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/5/25
• Engrossed: 4/14/25
• Enrolled: 4/16/25
• Passed: 4/24/25
• Chaptered: 4/29/25

Caption

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

Impact

The passage of SB 1055 is expected to significantly alter the landscape of criminal records management in Tennessee. By enabling more individuals to expunge their records, the bill could facilitate access to employment, housing, and various civil rights that might have been previously restricted due to prior convictions. This law may also lead to a reduction in the stigma associated with criminal records, allowing for a smoother transition for individuals reintegrating into society. Additionally, the bill emphasizes the importance of balancing public safety concerns with the personal and rehabilitative needs of offenders.

Summary

Senate Bill 1055, also known as the Expunction of Criminal Records Act, aims to reform the existing processes for the expunction of criminal records in the state of Tennessee. The bill amends various titles within the Tennessee Code Annotated to provide a clearer framework for individuals seeking to have their criminal records expunged. Under this legislation, individuals who meet specific criteria—such as having charges dismissed without conviction—will be allowed to petition the court to remove specific public records at no cost. This change is intended to help individuals reintegrate into society more effectively by minimizing the long-term consequences of minor felony or misdemeanor convictions.

Sentiment

General sentiment around SB 1055 is positively inclined, with proponents arguing that it offers a second chance to individuals who have demonstrated rehabilitation. Supporters include various advocacy groups and legislators who believe that the bill addresses systemic inequalities faced by those with prior convictions. However, there are concerns among some lawmakers and criminal justice advocates about potential unintended consequences of more lenient expunction processes, such as public safety risks. Overall, the discussion was framed as a critical step toward restorative justice, albeit with caution regarding implementation.

Contention

One significant point of contention raised during discussions of SB 1055 relates to the eligibility criteria for expungement. Critics argue that while the bill facilitates expungement for many, it also risks enabling individuals with serious offenses to go unnoticed following the removal of their records. Additionally, the processes set forth in the bill for expungement, including the requirement for petitioning the court and providing proof of completed sentences, have raised questions about administrative burdens. These considerations suggest a need for careful monitoring of the bill’s implementation, once enacted, to ensure it serves its intended rehabilitative purpose without compromising community safety.