Children / Elis Law Legislation putting more guardrails in place to protect children from abusive parents was passed. This encourages TANF recipients to attain degrees which will assist them in bridging the gap to self-sufficiency. (Senate Bill 1338 / Hensley, Yager, Massey, Pody / Public Chapter 504 Effective July 1, 2021). The Students Right to Know Act requires the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) to publish a web-based dashboard for high school students considering their college and career options. (Senate Bill 285 / Rose, Walley, Bowling, Hensley, Pody, Powers, Stevens / Public Chapter 418 Effective July 1, 2021). Film and Animation Opportunities Legislation passed this year allows more incentives for qualified animation or film productions to do business in Tennessee. Disabled Veterans / State Employee / Sick Leave A new law in Tennessee allows a state employee, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability of 30% or more, to receive 36 hours of sick leave each year to attend appointments related to that disability. Children / Severe Child Abuse / Exposure to Dangerous Drugs A new law was passed this year to protect children from being exposed to dangerous illegal drugs. Set people up to succeed upon release (2 recommendations) Eliminate relics of the harmful and racist "war on drugs" (2 recommendations) In this year's guide to winnable criminal justice reforms, we've added a reference to caregiver and proximity laws and a new section Set people up to succeed upon release. This legislation instead requires that all annual licenses and permits relating to wildlife expire 365 days following the date of issuance. (Senate Bill 451 / Bell, Bowling, Jackson, Reeves, Rose, Stevens / Public Chapter 440 Effective July 1, 2021). The new law provides legislators, judges, law enforcement officials and other stakeholders with more accurate information by modernizing and standardizing information collected by juvenile courts across the state. (Senate Bill 754 / Johnson, Jackson, White, Rose, Stevens / Public Chapter 284 Effective July 1, 2021). (Senate Bill 283 / Rose, Jackson / Public Chapter 586 Effective July 1, 2021). It impacts some inmates who thought it would apply to them on 7/1/2022. Drag racing The Senate and House of Representatives approved legislation to discourage drag racing, which is becoming an increasing public safety issue on Tennessee roadways. Many states, including Tennessee, followed suit, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics. Correction: A previous version of this story misidentified the judge presiding over this case. (Senate Bill 129 / Haile, Massey, Pody / Public Chapter 278 Effective July 1, 2021). Courts / Challenges to the Constitutionality of State Statutes A new statute passed this year gives the State Attorney General the right to immediately file an appeal regarding a court decision to enjoin a state law based on its constitutionality. Reach reporter Mariah Timms at mtimms@tennessean.com or 615-259-8344 and on Twitter @MariahTimms. Previously, veterans who have earned either the Global War on Terrorism medal on or after September 11, 2001; the Iraq campaign medal; or the Afghanistan campaign medal were awarded aid through the program. This year, the Tennessee General Assembly approved legislation requiring any person who buys unattached catalytic converters to be registered as a scrap metal dealer in a fixed location business and to track purchases. Oct. 8, 2021 8:03 PM PT. The manufacturer must cover any repair costs that are not a result of normal wear and tear during the machinerys usage. As of June 2021, the FDC reports 66 percent of elderly prisoners are in for violent crimes. The bill never received a vote in the Senate and died on May 17, when the legislative session ended. The new statute prohibits the establishment of Confucius Institutes which have ties to communist regimes and requires state institutions to disclose gifts received from and contracts initiated with a foreign source in excess of $10,000. (Senate Bill 1173 / Crowe / Public Chapter 368 Effective July 1, 2021). If they break the rules, they can be sent back to prison. RELATED: Gov. more, The Tennessee Legislature has passed two criminal justice reform bills that were a priority of Governor Bill Lee, and informed by the recommendations of the, Tennessee Criminal Justice Investment Task Force. Currently, people can earn up to 4.5 days off for every 30 days served. Firing a Firearm from a Vehicle A new law has passed making it reckless endangerment subject to a Class C felony to fire a firearm from within a motor vehicle, enhancing penalties for the crime. The legislation offers those who have made mistakes in their past and paid their debt to society a second chance so they can find housing, employment and provide for their family. October 22, 2021. of the right to serve the sentence under the law in effect at the time the crime was committed. Governor Urges Passage of Remainder of Criminal Sentencing and Disposition Commission Bill Package. It also provides an individual that knowingly allows a child to be in the presence of and have accessibility to such drugs as cocaine, methamphetamine or fentanyl will be guilty of severe child abuse. Rape Victims / Custody Rights Legislation protecting rape victims and children conceived in rape from questionable outcomes in civil custody battles passed this year. State Representative Michael Curcio (R-Dickson) sponsored the bill. The order prohibits the defendant and their counsel from publishing the information or statements made before or during the trial. Students Right to Know Act The General Assembly enacted legislation to provide critical information to Tennesseans seeking to pursue higher education. (Senate Bill 214 / Massey, White, Rose / Public Chapter 246 Effective July 1, 2021). HB 352 would provide parole eligibility for Missouri state prisoners who have served 30 years and are. Often times, victims of human trafficking can be engaged in criminal activity that is largely forced on them by a trafficker, such as manufacturing or selling drugs. The suit, filed Thursday in Davidson County Chancery Court, follows the story of Jeffrey Wayne Hughes. Jim Coley Protection for Rape Survivors Act State lawmakers approved the Jim Coley Protection for Rape Survivors Act of 2021, a victim-centered bill that provides more transparency regarding the rape kit backlog process. An Overview of the First Step Act. The General Assembly passed the original STRONG Act in 2017. 1 attorney answer. (Senate Bill 751 / Johnson, Watson, Massey, White, Akbari, Crowe, Campbell, Stevens, Walley, Yarbro, Briggs, Gilmore, Jackson / Public Chapter 515 Effective July 1, 2021). It combines parent and child interventions to break the cycle of poverty and create a pathway to economic security. Work will continue throughout the day and evening until the repairs are complete. The legislation aims to encourage gun owners to create a safer environment for children and hopefully prevent the heartbreaking tragedies that might occur if a firearm is stored improperly. More than 80% of inmates serving mandatory minimum sentences for drug offenses . Sections 2-6 are effective July 1, 2021. Federal Prison Bureau Nonviolent Offender Relief Act of 2021 This bill establishes a new early release option for certain federal prisoners. A-1254 would provide for "geriatric parole" for nonviolent offenders age 65 and older who have completed at least a third of a sentence. Inmates sentenced under the structured sentencing law pose more difficult prison management challenges than do inmates sentenced under the previous law. Current law uses a formula to determine the length of a persons sentence and the percentage of that sentence they need to serve before becoming eligible for release. The remainder is effective July 1, 2021). Download one of these great browsers, and youll be on your way! Historically, the board and state law heldparole is a privilege, not a right as a watchword. The court must then immediately schedule a hearing regarding any conceivable effect that the birth may have on the case and consider further action to ensure the safety and well-being of the child. The new law adds a victim is incapable of defense if sexual contact occurs during the course of a consultation, examination, treatment, therapy or other professional service that are provided by a physician, psychologist, psychiatrist, therapist, social worker, nurse, chemical dependency counselor or a member of the clergy. The new residencies will be distributed across all grand divisions of the state. for pass. Both programs will be conducted in cooperation with the Tennessee Department of Health and the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC). The new law expands Tennessees successful Recovery Court System, which includes Veterans Courts, Mental Health Courts and Drug Courts for those charged with misdemeanor assaults. It also requires these licensees to investigate a cybersecurity event or breach and notify the commissioner of it if they are a domiciled insurer or if more than 250 Tennesseans are impacted. According to Tennessee law, they have to spend more than half a century behind bars before they can even be eligible for release. Similarly, the legislation creates the Families First Community Grants to infuse $50 million in TANF reserve funds into the community through grants to organizations providing services to low income families. A Class 1 felony; 2. Mar 15, 2021 at 5:30 am. Here's what they'll do, After passing prison reform, Gov. Effective date (s) 07/01/2022. (Senate Bill 166 / Lundberg, Campbell, Massey, Yarbro, Pody / Public Chapter 580 Effective July 1, 2021). The new law also authorizes DCS to initiate a face-to-face visit if the adoptive parent fails to provide the documentation and foul play might be suspected. Additionally, the measure establishes a mandatory minimum fine of $1,000 for convictions of offenses related to providing alcohol to minors. Heather Rice-Minus of the group Prison Fellowship, said, No life is beyond redemption and people deserve the dignity of a second chance. By the time victims do report the crime, the statute of limitations could be elapsed and charges cannot be filed. It is hoped that this legislation will help address this shortage and provide greater access to care. Prisons / Cell Phones Cell phones in Tennessee prisons have long been an ongoing security and public safety concern, with dangerous inmates using them to direct criminal activity despite the fact that they are confined within penitentiary facilities. Victim Advocates / Confidentiality Another law passed recently protects confidentiality of victim advocates. This helps ensure the child can receive any professional assistance they may need and can be removed from a life dictated by abusive traffickers. lowering it to 65% instead of 85%. 10/19/2020. This legislation will support their efforts and serve as a recruitment tool to ensure the very best continue to serve in the Tennessee National Guard. To address these challenges, the Taskforce Report also included over 20 suggestions for the improvement of the current system, including recommendations regarding sentencing alternatives, education and treatment in local jails, the prioritization of high-risk and violent individuals, community supervision, and successful reentry. The measure was recommended by Dickson Youth Leadership. Eligible inmates are those who are serving a nonviolent felony offense or a sentence for a Class E or Class D felony offense. That legislation provided reimbursement to an educational institution in the amount equal to 100% of the maximum resident undergraduate in-state tuition. The new law creates an additional resource to attract multimedia productions and projects that are in the best interest of the state. Under the new law, offenders are subject to a Class A misdemeanor unless it is a child 8 years old or under, which would be a Class D felony. (Senate Bill 768 / Johnson, Yager, Bowling, Akbari, Bailey, Gilmore, Haile, Jackson, Reeves / Public Chapter 410 Section 2 and 4 are effective January 1, 2022, Sections 5-8 are effective July 1, 2021, Sections 9-15 are effective July 1, 2021. Other key provisions in the new law include: As part of the Reentry Success Act of 2021, local jail grants will be provided to facilities which design and implement strategies which improve the likelihood of successful integration back into the community following release from prison and empirically demonstrate they are effective. This legislation addresses this problem by helping these individuals with a pathway to a productive life beyond crime, to ultimately improve public safety by utilizing validated, nationally-tested practices for community supervision. The imprisonment rate for adult U.S. residents in state or federal prison serving a sentence of more than one year also declined (down 2%) from yearend 2020 to 2021, from 460 to 449 sentenced prisoners per 100,000 adult U.S. residents. It ensures communication between a victim of domestic violence or sexual abuse and a trained victim advocate remains confidential through statutory protections. Abortion / Unborn Child Dignity Act The Unborn Child Dignity Act advocating for the dignity of the unborn by requiring proper burial or cremation for a surgically aborted child was approved this year. (Senate Bill 298 Briggs, Stevens, Akbari, Bailey, Crowe, Hensley, Jackson, Kelsey, Massey, Watson / Public Chapter 587 Effective July 1, 2021). Hughes had previously been scheduled for a new hearing in the summer of 2022, two years after the last time he went before the board, according to the lawsuit. Called Elis Law, the measure allows the Department of Childrens Services (DCS) to investigate the birth of subsequent children born to parents who have had a previous child removed from their custody. Similarly, a new law makes a simple assault committed after July 1, 2000 eligible for consideration of expungement. It adds aggravated statutory rape and statutory rape by an authority figure to the list of offenses for which the offender will be prohibited from having custody rights. This legislation extends the statute of limitations so that traffickers who traffic children can be brought to justice. Intro. The new law applies to cases when the defendant knew that the person was acting as a Good Samaritan. CDCR is working closely with stakeholders, local law enforcement partners, and other agencies to leverage state and federal resources for housing in the community to help meet the . In March of 2019, Governor Lee issuedExecutive Order 6, which created the Tennessee Criminal Justice Investment Task Force to study criminal justice policy within the state. The two new laws -- the Alternatives to Incarceration Act and the Re-Entry . The new law implements a true 365-day annual sport license to be issued by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA). (Senate Bill 1334 / Hensley, Pody, Stevens, White, Bowling, Briggs, Jackson, Rose / Public Chapter 554 Effective July 1, 2021). (Senate Bill 653 / Bowling / Public Chapter 571 Rulemaking May 26, 2021 Effective July 1, 2021). Protecting First Responders / Murder Legislation was passed this year ensuring that someone convicted of murdering a first responder with targeted intent for the job they do will be charged and punished as a terrorist for their crime. Protects rural hospitals that utilize 340B programs across the state to provide lifesaving medication to some of our states most marginalized citizens; Prohibits PBMs from steering patients away from their community pharmacies to PBM-owned pharmacies which is particularly important to patients with chronic, complex and rare diseases like Multiple Sclerosis, cystic fibrosis, cancer, and ALS; Ensures that pharmacies are at least paid their acquisition cost for medications and instructs PBMs to establish a process for pharmacies to appeal their reimbursements from PBMs if it is below the cost; Provides greater transparency to employers who want to gain a better understanding of how their pharmacy benefit expenses are being impacted by spread pricing and rebate retention which ultimately impacts their premiums; and. An underage adult was defined as any person between the ages of 18 to 21. After implementing MailGuard, the average number of drug tests coming back positive from September 2019 to August 2020 hovered around 1 percent, with the exception of two months with zero positive drug tests. COVID-19 Recovery / TN Business Fairness Act A new law approved this year allows businesses to remain open during a pandemic or other health emergency if they follow guidelines issued by any government to keep their customers and employees safe. (Senate Bill 458 / Bell, Yager / Public Chapter 467 Effective July 1, 2021). (Senate Bill 207 Haile, Powers, Massey / Public Chapter 309 Effective July 1, 2021). In addition, the new law puts a limit on the amount of time an individual can be sentenced to probation, with the ability for this time to be extended each year for specific case-by-case situations. These bills align with recommendations of the Governor's Task Force for Racial Equity in Criminal Justice (TREC). It will give students more information regarding higher education cost options, in addition to expected wages in occupations they are considering. It requires the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (DMHSAS) to establish and maintain a list of approved recovery residence organizations on its website. PBMs are companies that manage prescription drug benefits on behalf of health insurers, Medicare Part D drug plans, large employers and others. As enacted, authorizes the index of appropriations from state tax revenues for 2021-2022 fiscal year to exceed the index of estimated growth in the state's economy by $2,997,600,000 or 16.08 percent. Specifically, the Bureau of Prisons must release early an offender who has completed at least half of his or her sentence if such offender has attained age 45, has never been convicted of a crime of . 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