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HB 1839

Correction, Dept. of - As introduced, prohibits the department from removing a state inmate from a local jail facility for the purpose of relocating the inmate to a state facility if the inmate is participating in a work release or re-entry program unless the inmate has failed to meet the work release or in-house duty requirements, or the inmate's disciplinary records warrant the inmate's removal from participation in the work release or re-entry program. - Amends TCA Title 40 and Title 41.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Kirk Haston

Tennessee bill restricts transferring state inmates from local jails to state facilities if actively in work release/re-entry programs unless they fail to meet requirements or face disciplinary issues.

Comp. became Pub. Ch. 841
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Bill Summary · HB 1839

Legislative bill overview

HB 1839 restricts the Tennessee Department of Correction from transferring state inmates out of local jail facilities to state facilities if those inmates are actively participating in work release or re-entry programs. The transfer is only permitted if the inmate fails to meet program requirements or has disciplinary issues that warrant removal from the program.

Why is this important

Work release and re-entry programs are designed to reduce recidivism by allowing inmates nearing release to maintain employment, family connections, and community ties while still under custody. This bill protects those program participants from disruptive transfers that could jeopardize their progress and employment. The policy affects both criminal justice outcomes and the operational flexibility of the state corrections system.

Potential points of contention

  • Operational flexibility: The Department of Correction may argue that transfer restrictions limit their ability to manage facility capacity, security needs, or inmate classification changes based on institutional priorities rather than program participation alone
  • Program definition and scope: The bill doesn't clearly define what constitutes a qualifying "work release or re-entry program," which could create disputes about which inmates are protected and lead to inconsistent application
  • Incentive structure: While supporters see this as protecting rehabilitation, critics might argue it creates perverse incentives by making program participation a shield against standard institutional transfers, potentially discouraging transfers needed for legitimate security or management reasons

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

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