Tennessee Senate Bill SB2878

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/1/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 39, Chapter 13, relative to victims of certain criminal offenses.

Impact

The implementation of SB2878 is anticipated to create a significant shift in how restitution is handled in cases involving violent crimes against parents. Rather than solely imposing penalties on offenders, the bill introduces a mechanism that directly benefits victims' children by ensuring they receive financial support. This legislative change reflects a societal acknowledgment of the long-term consequences that violent crimes have on innocent bystanders, specifically minors, and obligates offenders to contribute toward their welfare. The proposed law is positioned as a means of enhancing justice for the victims' families.

Summary

Senate Bill 2878 proposes an amendment to Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically focusing on the responsibilities of convicted offenders towards the minor children of their victims. The bill mandates that if a defendant is convicted of specific violent crimes that result in the death of a parent, the court must order the defendant to pay restitution in the form of child maintenance to the victims' children until they turn eighteen or graduate high school, whichever comes later. This establishes an ongoing financial obligation for convicted offenders to support the children of their victims, highlighting the impact of crime on vulnerable dependents.

Contention

Notably, the bill’s requirement for long-term financial restitution could provoke debate regarding the feasibility of enforcing such payments. There could be concerns about the financial circumstances of offenders, who may struggle to meet these obligations post-conviction. Critics may argue that the bill could result in unintended punitive consequences for individuals already facing significant legal repercussions. Moreover, discussions may arise surrounding the definitions of applicable crimes, possibly highlighting differing views on the precise scope of justice in cases involving violent offenders and their responsibilities toward victims’ families.