Tennessee House Bill HB2952

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Chapter 3, Part 6; Title 40 and Title 41, relative to recidivism.

Impact

If enacted, HB2952 will directly affect how the Department of Corrections in Tennessee tracks and reports on the effectiveness of rehabilitation and recidivism-reduction programs. By requiring evidence-based data to be included in the report, the bill aims to promote accountability within the department, making it essential for legislators to use this information for evaluating and improving existing programs aimed at reducing recidivism rates.

Summary

House Bill 2952 aims to amend various sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically focusing on recidivism reduction strategies. The bill mandates that the commissioner of corrections provides an annual report detailing efforts and programs targeting recidivism among released offenders. This report is to be submitted by February 1 each year to both the House Criminal Justice Committee and the Senate Judiciary Committee, ensuring legislative oversight on these critical initiatives.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HB2952 is one of support, particularly among legislators and advocacy groups focused on criminal justice reform. Proponents view the bill as a progressive step towards transparency and efficacy in managing recidivism. They believe that data-driven approaches will facilitate better outcomes for offenders and enhance public safety over time. However, there may be some contention around the practicality of implementing these data collection requirements effectively.

Contention

A notable point of contention regarding HB2952 lies in the logistics and resources required for the Department of Corrections to produce these detailed reports annually. Critics may argue that without sufficient funding and staff, the mandate could overwhelm the department, potentially leading to ineffective reporting or unintended consequences. Furthermore, ensuring that the data collected is accurate and actionable poses an additional challenge that could be debated during discussions around the bill.