Tennessee Senate Bill SB0806

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/30/23
• Engrossed: 4/10/23
• Enrolled: 4/28/23
• Passed: 5/17/23
• Chaptered: 5/24/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 8; Title 10; Title 16; Title 17; Title 18; Title 33; Title 37; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40 and Title 41, relative to the administration of justice.

Impact

The bill represents a significant adjustment to how sentence credits are calculated and awarded, potentially reforming aspects of the correctional system in Tennessee. By implementing the requirement for a risk and needs assessment, the bill aims to promote inmate engagement in rehabilitative activities, which could enhance the effectiveness of corrections and pave the way for better reintegration into society. The new measure is expected to help correctional authorities in their assessment and treatment strategies, aligning them more closely with rehabilitative goals.

Summary

Senate Bill 0806 amends various titles in the Tennessee Code Annotated regarding the administration of justice. The primary focus of the bill is to introduce an updated criterion for awarding sentence credits for good institutional behavior for inmates. It mandates that inmates must complete a validated risk and needs assessment and partake in department-approved programming or employment to qualify for earning these credits. This change is intended to ensure that sentence credits are linked to proactive rehabilitative efforts, rather than being awarded arbitrarily.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment around SB 0806 appears to be moderately favorable among legislators who recognize the importance of reforming the correctional system for better outcomes. Supporters believe that linking sentence credits to participation in approved programs will outbalance the punitive aspects of incarceration with opportunities for rehabilitation. However, there may be concerns regarding the implementation and adequacy of available programs, particularly in ensuring that all inmates have access to the required resources to meet these new criteria.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the adequacy of the support and programming available to inmates, which is essential for the successful implementation of the bill. Critics may argue about the fairness of the requirements and whether all facilities are equipped to provide the necessary assessments and programs. Additionally, there could be concerns about how these changes might disproportionately affect certain populations within the prison system, thus igniting discussions about equity and access in rehabilitative programming.