Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

Tennessee House Bill HB2611

Introduced
1/31/24  
Refer
2/5/24  
Refer
3/26/24  
Refer
4/2/24  
Chaptered
5/9/24  

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 8, Chapter 6 and Title 38, Chapter 6, relative to criminal offenses.

Impact

The enactment of HB 2611 would significantly alter the legal landscape regarding the prosecution of serious offenses like human trafficking and organized crime. By allowing law enforcement agencies the option to bring evidence to another district attorney when local prosecution is declined, the bill facilitates a more robust response to these crimes, which have been on the rise. This change aims to improve the legal mechanisms available to ensure that offenders cannot evade justice simply due to jurisdictional limitations.

Summary

House Bill 2611, also known as 'The District Attorney General Second Opinion Act', seeks to enhance the prosecution of human trafficking and organized crime offenses in Tennessee. The bill empowers law enforcement officials to submit evidence of offenses to district attorneys in other jurisdictions when a local district attorney chooses not to prosecute. This act aims to address the challenges presented by the rising incidence of human trafficking in the state, emphasizing the need for coordinated multi-jurisdictional efforts to combat these issues effectively.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 2611 appears to be supportive among those campaigning against human trafficking, as it provides more resources for law enforcement to deal with a critical issue impacting vulnerable populations. Advocates argue that this bill is a necessary step towards a coordinated approach that recognizes the cross-jurisdictional nature of human trafficking and the need for a unified response from the state's legal system. However, concerns regarding potential misuse or the implications for local jurisdictional authority may be articulated by some critics.

Contention

Despite the general support for HB 2611, notable points of contention may arise regarding the relationship between state and local law enforcement and prosecutorial discretion. Critics may voice concerns about the potential for state overreach, especially if local district attorneys feel pressured by this legislation to act contrary to their judgments on case viability. This tension between ensuring justice for victims while also respecting the autonomy and judgment of local authorities may fuel ongoing discussions as the bill moves forward.

Companion Bills

TN SB1802

Crossfiled AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 8, Chapter 6 and Title 38, Chapter 6, relative to criminal offenses.

Previously Filed As

TN SB1802

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 8, Chapter 6 and Title 38, Chapter 6, relative to criminal offenses.

TN HB0792

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 29; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40 and Title 67, relative to criminal justice.

TN SB0906

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 29; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40 and Title 67, relative to criminal justice.

TN HB0806

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 39, Chapter 12, Part 2, relative to criminal offenses.

TN SB1475

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 39, Chapter 12, Part 2, relative to criminal offenses.

TN SB0378

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 33; Title 38; Title 39, Chapter 15, Part 4; Title 39, Chapter 17; Title 43, Chapter 27; Title 53; Title 67 and Title 68, Chapter 7, relative to cannabis.

TN HB0403

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 33; Title 38; Title 39, Chapter 15, Part 4; Title 39, Chapter 17; Title 43, Chapter 27; Title 53; Title 67 and Title 68, Chapter 7, relative to cannabis.

TN HB0555

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 9, Chapter 8 and Title 29, Chapter 13, relative to victims of human trafficking.

TN SB1211

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 9, Chapter 8 and Title 29, Chapter 13, relative to victims of human trafficking.

TN SB2223

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 8, Chapter 6; Title 29; Title 38; Title 39; Title 45 and Title 47, relative to merchant codes.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.