Tennessee House Bill HB0480

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/25/23
• Refer: 3/14/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 8; Title 37; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 41 and Title 55, relative to criminal justice.

Impact

The implications of HB0480 are significant for the legal framework in Tennessee. By transitioning from traditional paper-based submissions to electronic methods, the bill is anticipated to streamline court operations and reduce delays associated with manual documentation. This modernization effort aligns with trends in other states that have adopted similar electronic systems to improve the efficiency of their judicial processes. The bill is designed to simplify the workflow for legal practitioners and court officials, thereby potentially leading to quicker resolutions of cases.

Summary

House Bill 0480 is focused on amending various sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated concerning criminal justice. Specifically, it proposes a modification to Section 40-14-202(d) that allows for electronic submissions of reports directly to the court. This change is part of broader efforts to modernize the judicial procedures and enhance efficiency in the handling of criminal justice matters within the state. The bill's adjustments are aimed at facilitating better communication and processing of legal documents in the judicial system.

Contention

While HB0480 may generally be viewed positively in terms of enhancing procedural efficiency, it could face scrutiny regarding the adequacy of support systems for electronic submissions. Critics may raise concerns about the security and accessibility of electronic filings, particularly for individuals who may not have equitable access to technology or the internet. Additionally, ensuring that all stakeholders in the criminal justice system are adequately prepared for such transitions will be crucial for the successful implementation of these amendments. Stakeholders may debate the balance between modernization and maintaining effective legal safeguards in the submission process.