Tennessee Senate Bill SB0202

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/17/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 8; Title 10, Chapter 7, Part 5; Title 36; Title 37; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40 and Title 41, relative to witness protection.

Impact

The implementation of SB0202 will have a significant impact on Tennessee's criminal justice system by formalizing the processes and resources available for witness protection. Specifically, the bill outlines the types of support that can be offered to witnesses, including armed protection, physical relocation, financial assistance for living expenses, and the provision of new identification documents. By implementing a systematic approach to witness safety, the bill is expected to enhance the willingness of individuals to come forward and testify in court, which in turn could strengthen the prosecution of criminal cases.

Summary

Senate Bill 202, also referred to as SB0202, aims to amend several sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated to establish a structured witness protection and relocation program. The bill's primary goal is to coordinate assistance and protection services for witnesses involved in criminal proceedings, ensuring their safety as they provide testimony. This program will involve the creation of intrastate and interstate compacts, allowing collaboration between various law enforcement agencies to optimize the provision of these critical services to witnesses.

Contention

While SB0202 has the potential to improve witness cooperation and bolster the judicial process, there are concerns regarding the confidentiality and security measures associated with the program. The bill mandates that information pertaining to participating law enforcement agencies must be kept confidential, raising questions about transparency and accountability. Additionally, the fiscal sustainability of the program is a point of contention, as the bill does not allocate funds unless specifically appropriated by the general appropriations act, leading to debates over whether adequate financial resources will be available to support such an initiative.