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HB 1233

Bail, Bail Bonds - As introduced, permits a professional bondsman to issue and retain the required receipt for money or other consideration received in a digital format. - Amends TCA Title 40, Chapter 11.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by John Gillespie

Tennessee bill permits bail bondsmen to provide digital receipts instead of paper documents, modernizing administrative requirements while maintaining transaction accountability.

Taken off notice for cal in s/c Criminal Justice Subcommittee of Judiciary Committee
#bail #bailbonds
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Bill Summary · HB 1233

Legislative bill overview

HB 1233 allows bail bond professionals in Tennessee to issue and maintain required receipts for payments in digital format rather than exclusively paper documents. This modifies existing state law governing bail bond procedures under Tennessee Code Annotated Title 40, Chapter 11.

Why is this important

Receipt documentation is a critical legal record in bail transactions, protecting both defendants and bondsmen by creating a clear audit trail of financial exchanges. Allowing digital formats modernizes administrative procedures while maintaining accountability, reducing paperwork burdens and potentially improving record accessibility and retention.

Potential points of contention

  • Record integrity concerns: Opponents may argue digital receipts present cybersecurity risks, are easier to alter, or create admissibility questions in legal proceedings compared to paper originals
  • Compliance and standardization: Unclear whether the bill specifies digital format standards, encryption requirements, or storage protocols—potentially creating inconsistent practices across bondsmen
  • Access for low-income defendants: Digital-only receipts may disadvantage defendants without reliable technology access or those preferring physical documentation for personal records

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

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