Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

Tennessee Senate Bill SB0931

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 39 and Title 40, relative to bail.

Impact

The enactment of SB0931 would result in a significant shift in how bail is handled for individuals facing severe charges. Under the current system, there might be more flexibility involving various judicial authorities, but this bill centralizes that responsibility to circuit or criminal court judges. By requiring judicial findings for release, the bill seeks to limit the potential for bail to be assigned without sufficient reason, thus aiming for a more structured framework to prevent unregulated bail practices in capital cases. This could impact both the accused individuals and the judicial workload significantly.

Summary

Senate Bill 0931 was introduced to amend the Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically targeting the processes related to bail for defendants charged with capital offenses. The bill specifies that only a judge from the circuit or criminal court may release such defendants on their own recognizance or admit them to bail prior to their binding over to the grand jury. This legislative change aims to enhance the judicial oversight concerning bail decisions in serious criminal cases, ensuring that judges provide specific findings on the record when making such decisions.

Contention

While proponents of SB0931 argue that it promotes judicial responsibility and ensures thorough consideration before releasing individuals charged with serious crimes, detractors may see it as an unnecessary restriction on bail processes. Some critics could express concerns that the legislation may inadvertently create longer pre-trial detentions for defendants who may otherwise be eligible for release under less stringent conditions. The bill touches on the delicate balance between public safety and the rights of the accused, sparking potential debates around civil liberties and legal protocol in severe offending cases.

Companion Bills

TN HB0907

Crossfiled AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 39 and Title 40, relative to bail.

Previously Filed As

TN HB0907

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 39 and Title 40, relative to bail.

TN HB1718

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 39 and Title 40, relative to conditions of bail.

TN SB2566

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 39 and Title 40, relative to conditions of bail.

TN HB0830

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 40, relative to bail for certain offenses.

TN SB0932

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 40, relative to bail for certain offenses.

TN HB0580

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 8; Title 39; Title 40 and Title 55, Chapter 10, relative to pretrial release.

TN SB0601

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 8; Title 39; Title 40 and Title 55, Chapter 10, relative to pretrial release.

TN SB0563

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 40, Chapter 11, relative to the release of defendants.

TN SB1972

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 39; Title 40, Chapter 11 and Title 55, Chapter 10, relative to pretrial release.

TN HB2692

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 39; Title 40, Chapter 11 and Title 55, Chapter 10, relative to pretrial release.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.