Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

Tennessee House Bill HB0310

Introduced
1/19/23  

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 40, relative to expunction of certain records.

Impact

The amendments proposed by HB 0310 are intended to enhance the rights of individuals in the criminal justice system by simplifying the procedure to expunge their records. This change is significant, as it directly affects how the state treats individuals who have had negative encounters with the law that do not culminate in convictions. By mandating that certain records be expunged automatically, it aims to remove barriers that affect individuals' reintegration into society, thus potentially reducing stigma and improving employment and housing opportunities for affected individuals.

Summary

House Bill 0310 aims to amend the Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically Title 40, concerning the expunction of certain criminal records. The bill facilitates the automatic destruction of public records for individuals who have been charged with misdemeanors or felonies under specific conditions, such as cases that have been dismissed, no true bill returns from a grand jury, or where a verdict of not guilty has been rendered. This legislation is designed to ease the process for individuals seeking to clear their records without the need to file a petition for expunction, thus removing some burdens from the judicial process.

Conclusion

Ultimately, HB 0310 represents a progressive step toward reforming how criminal records are managed and signifies a growing trend in legal frameworks that prioritize rehabilitation and second chances. As the bill moves through legislative processes, its outcomes may set a precedent for similar reforms in other jurisdictions.

Contention

Notably, the bill also includes provisions addressing instances of mistaken identity, allowing individuals wrongfully identified in criminal matters to expedite their expunction requests. This inclusion highlights an important recognition of the potential for error within the criminal justice system. However, the legislation has faced differing opinions regarding its implementation and effectiveness, with supporters arguing for the necessity of the changes in promoting justice and rehabilitation, while critics may raise concerns over the implications for law enforcement and record-keeping.

Companion Bills

TN SB0109

Crossfiled AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 40, relative to expunction of certain records.

Previously Filed As

TN SB0109

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 40, relative to expunction of certain records.

TN SB0393

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 39 and Title 40, relative to expunction of certain offenses.

TN HB1149

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 39 and Title 40, relative to expunction of certain offenses.

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 HB0831

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 38, Chapter 6 and Title 40, Chapter 32, relative to expunction.

TN SB1001

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 38, Chapter 6 and Title 40, Chapter 32, relative to expunction.

TN HB2107

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 39 and Title 40, relative to expunction.

TN SB1933

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 39 and Title 40, relative to expunction.

TN HB1391

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 10; Title 18 and Title 40, relative to expunction.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.