Tennessee House Bill HB1721

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/20/26
• Refer: 1/22/26
• Failed: 3/25/26

Caption

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

Impact

The introduction of HB1721 is expected to significantly affect state laws regarding court costs, particularly in criminal proceedings. By preventing the imposition of costs on defendants who are acquitted or have their charges dismissed, the bill aims to reduce the financial impact of wrongful charges or unsuccessful prosecutions. There is an underlying intent to enhance the justice system's fairness, providing an equitable solution for individuals who may otherwise be financially penalized despite a favorable verdict or dismissal of charges.

Summary

House Bill 1721 is an amendment to the Tennessee Code Annotated that addresses the assessment of court costs on defendants. Specifically, this bill stipulates that a court shall not impose court costs against a defendant if they are found not guilty by a jury or judge, if the prosecution is dismissed, or if the charges against them are dismissed by the court. This legislation aims to alleviate the financial burden on defendants who are not convicted and could ultimately promote a fairer judicial process.

Contention

While supporters of HB1721 may view it as a necessary reform to ensure that individuals are not burdened by costs when they have not been found guilty, notable contention could arise regarding the potential fiscal implications for the court system. Critics may argue that such a measure could strain court resources, as the expected revenue from court costs would diminish. There may also be discussions about the broader consequences of this change on the prosecution of cases and justice administration, particularly in ensuring that the state’s interests remain adequately served.