Tennessee Senate Bill SB1480

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/2/23
• Chaptered: 5/28/24
• Passed: 5/28/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 39; Title 40 and Title 55, Chapter 10, Part 4, relative to criminal procedure.

Impact

The implementation of SB 1480 is designed to enhance the protections for victims in the criminal justice process by ensuring they receive clear information about the technology that may be used as part of the bail decision. This is pivotal in a landscape where victims often feel sidelined, as it empowers them with knowledge and allows them to express concerns about their safety and the defendant's movements. The bill thus modifies existing legal frameworks and introduces new mandates that could significantly affect the experience of victims in the justice system, promoting a more victim-centered approach.

Summary

Senate Bill 1480, also known as the 'Representative Mike Carter Act', aims to amend certain provisions of the Tennessee Code Annotated concerning criminal procedures. Specifically, this legislation introduces requirements for law enforcement officers when arresting individuals for specified offenses, ensuring that alleged victims are informed about their rights and the functionality of global positioning monitoring systems (GPS). This includes notification regarding the possibility of defendants being required to wear GPS devices as part of bail conditions and the victims' rights to participate in or refuse such monitoring systems.

Sentiment

The general sentiment around SB 1480 is largely supportive, particularly among those advocating for victim rights and protections. Proponents argue that the bill is a necessary step towards ensuring that victims are adequately informed about the tools that will be used in monitoring their alleged offenders. There is recognition that enhanced communication and support for victims contribute positively to the overall criminal justice process. However, there may be concerns from civil liberties groups about how such monitoring could infringe upon defendants' rights and the practical implications of implementing these GPS systems.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding SB 1480 is the balance between enhanced victim protections and the potential implications for defendants' rights. Critics may raise concerns regarding the confidentiality of communications between victims and magistrates, as the bill indicates that such communications would not be confidential. This aspect could lead to apprehension among victims about the potential repercussions of their participation in the GPS monitoring process. Furthermore, ensuring the effective and reliable implementation of the GPS technology itself poses logistical challenges that must be addressed to mitigate any unintended negative impacts.