Tennessee House Bill HJR0048

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/16/25
• Refer: 1/27/25
• Refer: 2/12/25
• Refer: 2/19/25
• Refer: 4/9/25
• Refer: 4/14/25

Caption

A RESOLUTION proposing an amendment to Article I, Section 35 of the Constitution of Tennessee, relative to the rights of crime victims.

Vote

The resolution must be approved by a two-thirds majority in both the House and Senate and is slated for public consideration during the 2026 November general election. The engagement of both lawmakers and the public will be critical in this process, as the amendment is designed to reflect the community's values regarding victim rights and the justice process.

Impact

If enacted, the amendment would significantly augment the legal protections afforded to crime victims, ensuring their participation in criminal proceedings. This could lead to a cultural shift within the judicial system, emphasizing victim needs and rights as central to ensuring justice. By clearly delineating these rights, the amendment aims to foster a more supportive environment for victims, potentially leading to increased public trust in the criminal justice system.

Summary

HJR0048 proposes an amendment to Article I, Section 35 of the Tennessee Constitution, aimed at enhancing the rights of crime victims in the judicial process. The resolution seeks to replace the existing section entirely with a newly defined set of rights that would ensure victims are treated fairly and with dignity throughout the criminal justice system. The amendment would provide victims with various rights, including the right to be informed of court proceedings, the right to restitution, and the right to confer with prosecutors, among others.

Contention

There may be notable points of contention regarding the amendment, particularly concerning its implications for due process. Critics could argue that while protecting victims' rights is important, the amendment must carefully balance these rights with the rights of the accused to ensure a fair trial. Additionally, some may raise concerns about the feasibility and enforceability of the rights outlined, as well as potential budgetary impacts on the state as resources may need to be allocated for training and implementation.