Tennessee House Bill HB1413

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 16; Title 17 and Title 27, relative to appeals.

Impact

The proposed changes in HB1413 will directly affect the procedural framework surrounding appeals in Tennessee. By incorporating electronic mailing as an option for delivering court opinions, the bill could facilitate a quicker response time for attorneys and clients alike. This aligns with broader trends in governmental and legal processes to adopt technology for improved efficiency, potentially reducing delays in the appeals process.

Summary

House Bill 1413 aims to amend sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated related to court appeals. The primary focus of the legislation is to enhance the process of delivering court opinions to counsel of record by allowing for electronic mail as a valid method of communication. This amendment is expected to modernize the legal process by promoting efficiency and expediency in the notification of court decisions, thereby benefiting legal practitioners and their clients.

Sentiment

Generally, the sentiment around HB1413 appears supportive among legal professionals who advocate for modernizing legal communication. The ability to receive court opinions via electronic mail could streamline workflows and allow for faster client responses. However, there may also be concerns about data security and the reliability of electronic communications in legal contexts, which could be points of contention for some stakeholders.

Contention

While there is overall support for the proposed amendments, some may express concerns about the implications for traditional methods of communication between courts and legal counsel. Critics may raise questions regarding the access to technology for all attorneys, particularly those in rural areas or smaller practices. Additionally, the shift towards electronic communication may spark debates over the adequacy of such methods in ensuring that critical court opinions are received promptly and securely.