Tennessee House Bill HB2748

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/24
• Refer: 2/5/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 40-11-139, relative to warrants.

Impact

The impact of HB2748 extends to how warrants are handled in Tennessee, particularly for individuals facing serious felony or misdemeanor charges that are classified as violent or sexual. By requiring that those defendants be listed as fugitives promptly, the bill seeks to improve the enforcement of court appearances and contribute to public safety by ensuring that individuals evading law enforcement can be tracked efficiently. This amendment illustrates a push towards stricter enforcement in the criminal justice system, possibly leading to increased apprehensions of individuals who fail to attend court hearings.

Summary

House Bill 2748 amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 40-11-139, regarding the issuance of warrants. The primary focus of the bill is on the procedures following a defendant's failure to appear in court, specifically concerning crimes of a violent or sexual nature. If a bench warrant is issued due to such a failure, defendants will be designated as fugitives from justice and placed on relevant state or federal lists within ten days of their failure to appear. This amendment aims to enhance the accountability and tracking of individuals who neglect to fulfill their court obligations.

Conclusion

Overall, HB2748 represents legislative action towards refining the processes related to court appearances and fugitives in Tennessee. Its implications could signal a shift in how the state manages individuals who face serious criminal charges, possibly with far-reaching effects on the criminal justice landscape and debates over civil liberties.

Contention

While the bill aims to strengthen the law related to warrants and fugitives, it may raise concerns about due process and the potential for misclassification of individuals. Critics could argue that the provisions might lead to unintended consequences with individuals being unfairly labeled as fugitives if they have legitimate reasons for missing their court dates. The discussions surrounding this bill may include debates on balancing public safety with the rights of defendants, as well as concerns over the implications of placing individuals on state or federal databases.