Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

Tennessee Senate Bill SB0175

Introduced
1/15/25  
Engrossed
3/9/26  
Enrolled
3/17/26  
Passed
4/1/26  

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 40 and Title 41, relative to inmates.

Impact

By establishing a structured reporting system, SB 175 aims to bring about enhanced oversight into the operations of the correctional facility regarding parole and furlough processes. This may lead to improvements in public understanding of parole practices and the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs. The requirement to include demographic details in reports also indicates a movement towards addressing equity within the correctional system. The changes could foster more data-driven policymaking in corrections, which has the potential to influence future legislative measures aimed at criminal justice reform.

Summary

Senate Bill 175 focuses on amendments to the Tennessee Code Annotated regarding the management and oversight of inmate parole and medical furlough. The bill mandates that the commissioner of correction provide comprehensive biannual reports to legislative chairs detailing various metrics related to parole eligibility, decisions, and outcomes, including demographics and timeframes associated with these processes. The intent of the bill is to ensure that there is greater accountability and transparency in how parole decisions are made and how medical furloughs are administered within the correctional system.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB 175 appears to be largely supportive among legislators. Lawmakers seem to recognize the need for reform in the parole system and are in favor of implementing measures that enhance transparency. There may be some concerns related to whether the additional reporting demands may overburden the Department of Correction or slow down decision-making processes. Nevertheless, the general sentiment leans towards the belief that improved data collection will ultimately benefit the parole system and possibly lead to more informed legislative actions in the future.

Contention

While there seems to be broad support for the goals of SB 175, one potential point of contention could arise from the added burden of regular reporting on the Department of Correction. Critics may question whether this bill adequately considers the existing challenges faced by correctional institutions. Additionally, as the bill intends to reveal demographic specifics, concerns around privacy and the appropriate handling of sensitive data may pose challenges in its implementation. Balancing transparency with the operational needs of the correctional facilities will likely be an ongoing conversation as this legislation moves forward.

Companion Bills

TN HB0036

Crossfiled AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 40 and Title 41, relative to inmates.

Previously Filed As

TN HB0036

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 40 and Title 41, relative to inmates.

TN SB0186

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 5; Title 6; Title 7; Title 8; Title 9; Title 29; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40 and Title 41, relative to inmates.

TN HB0577

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 5; Title 6; Title 7; Title 8; Title 9; Title 29; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40 and Title 41, relative to inmates.

TN SB1804

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 40 and Title 41, relative to inmates.

TN HB1986

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 40 and Title 41, relative to inmates.

TN HB0937

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 2; Title 40 and Title 41, relative to voting rights.

TN SB1211

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 2; Title 40 and Title 41, relative to voting rights.

TN SB2021

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 41 and Title 71, relative to food assistance for inmates.

TN HB2430

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 41 and Title 71, relative to food assistance for inmates.

TN HB1839

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 40 and Title 41, relative to state inmates.

Similar Bills

TN HB0036

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 40 and Title 41, relative to inmates.

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