WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 1945

Bail, Bail Bonds - As introduced, allows the court to temporarily revoke a defendant's bond and order the defendant held without bail for no more than 10 days pending a bail revocation hearing if the defendant violates a condition of release, is charged with an offense committed during the defendant's release, or engages in conduct that results in the obstruction of the orderly and expeditious progress of the trial. - Amends TCA Title 40, Chapter 11.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Ferrell Haile

Tennessee bill authorizes courts to briefly jail defendants without bail (up to 10 days) for violating release conditions or committing crimes while awaiting trial.

Transmitted to Governor for action.
#bail #bailbonds
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 1945

Legislative bill overview

SB 1945 permits Tennessee courts to temporarily revoke a defendant's bail bond and detain them without bail for up to 10 days if they violate release conditions, commit a new offense while released, or obstruct trial proceedings. The court must then hold a bail revocation hearing within that 10-day window to determine if the revocation should be permanent.

Why is this important

This bill addresses a gap in judicial authority when defendants fail to comply with bail conditions or commit crimes while awaiting trial. It affects both public safety (preventing defendants from continuing criminal activity) and the accused's constitutional rights to bail and speedy trial protections, making the balance between these interests a significant policy question.

Potential points of contention

  • Preventive detention concerns: Critics may argue that holding someone without bail for 10 days before a hearing violates due process, as it punishes alleged violations before adjudication
  • Definition of "obstruction": The phrase "obstructs the orderly and expeditious progress of the trial" is broad and could be interpreted differently by judges, creating inconsistent application
  • Repeat offender targeting: The bill could disproportionately affect lower-income defendants unable to afford bail initially, as they're more likely to be re-arrested while awaiting trial

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.