WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 1187

Bail, Bail Bonds - As introduced, makes various changes to criminal law, including requiring defendants accused of certain offenses to be subject to a global positioning monitoring system as condition of bail. - Amends TCA Title 10; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Chapter 969 of the Public Acts of 2024 and Chapter 1033 of the Public Acts of 2024.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Raumesh Akbari

SB 1187 requires GPS monitoring for defendants accused of specific crimes as a bail condition, expanding Tennessee's pretrial supervision requirements.

Assigned to General Subcommittee of Senate Judiciary Committee
#bail #bailbonds
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 1187

Legislative bill overview

SB 1187 expands Tennessee's bail conditions by mandating GPS monitoring for defendants accused of certain criminal offenses. The bill amends multiple sections of Tennessee criminal and procedural law, modifying how bail requirements and conditions are structured across different offense categories.

Why is this important

GPS monitoring conditions affect a defendant's freedom of movement before trial and can impact employment, family obligations, and daily life. This policy signals a shift toward more restrictive pretrial conditions, which could increase costs to the criminal justice system while raising questions about fairness for defendants who cannot afford bail and may face compounded restrictions.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and burden allocation: Who pays for GPS monitoring—the state or the defendant? Requiring defendants to bear costs raises equity concerns, as it may disproportionately burden low-income individuals unable to afford monitoring fees.
  • Which offenses qualify: The bill's scope regarding "certain offenses" is not detailed in the summary, making it unclear whether GPS monitoring applies broadly or narrowly—a critical distinction affecting thousands of defendants.
  • Pretrial detention vs. monitoring: Critics may argue mandatory GPS monitoring functions as de facto detention without due process protections, while supporters may view it as a less restrictive alternative to jail.

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

Sign in to ask a question.