Tennessee House Bill HB2928

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/24
• Refer: 2/5/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 8; Title 38; Title 39 and Title 40, relative to criminal proceedings.

Impact

If enacted, HB2928 will establish systematic reporting practices among district attorneys and law enforcement agencies. These institutions will be required to compile quarterly reports, which will be aggregated into comprehensive reports by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) for public dissemination. This change is expected to provide valuable insights into criminal justice operations and outcomes across different judicial districts, ultimately leading to better-informed policy decisions.

Summary

House Bill 2928 is a legislative proposal seeking to amend various sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically targeting criminal proceedings. The bill mandates that district attorneys and law enforcement agencies report certain activities on a quarterly basis. This includes data on pending charges, dismissals, plea agreements, trial outcomes, and the timeline from arrest to case resolution, thereby enhancing transparency and accountability within the state's criminal justice system.

Contention

There may be points of contention surrounding the implementation of these reporting requirements. Critics could argue that the added administrative burden on law enforcement and district attorney offices might strain resources, particularly in smaller jurisdictions. Additionally, there may be concerns regarding data privacy and the potential misuse of the collected information. Supporters, however, would argue that such measures are necessary for combating crime effectively and enhancing public trust in law enforcement agencies.