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SB 254

Correction, Dept. of - As introduced, requires, by February 1 of each year, that the department submit its report regarding the effectiveness of diversion of offenders from state correctional institutions to the committee of the house of representatives with jurisdiction over subject matters pertaining to criminal justice, judiciary committee of the senate, and fiscal review committee. - Amends TCA Title 38; Title 39; Title 40 and Title 55.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Todd Gardenhire

Tennessee requires annual diversion program effectiveness reports to legislature, creating oversight of offender alternatives to state prison incarceration.

Enrolled and ready for signatures
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Bill Summary · SB 254

Legislative bill overview

SB 254 requires Tennessee's Department of Correction to submit an annual report by February 1st to three legislative committees detailing how effectively the state is diverting offenders away from state prisons and into alternative programs. The bill amends multiple sections of Tennessee Code covering corrections, criminal procedure, sentencing, and jails.

Why is this important

Diversion programs (like treatment courts, probation, or community-based alternatives) are generally less expensive than incarceration and may reduce recidivism, but their actual effectiveness depends on implementation and outcome data. This reporting requirement creates accountability and gives lawmakers data-driven information to assess whether diversion programs are working as intended and deserve continued or expanded funding.

Potential points of contention

  • Resource burden: The Department of Correction must allocate staff and resources annually to compile comprehensive effectiveness data, which some may view as administrative overhead
  • Defining "effectiveness": The bill doesn't specify what metrics constitute effectiveness (recidivism rates, cost savings, program completion rates, etc.), leaving interpretation to the department and potentially creating disputes over whether goals are being met
  • Discretion in implementation: Multiple code sections are amended without detail in this summary, raising questions about whether the changes impose unfunded mandates or alter sentencing/release policies in ways not immediately apparent from the title

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

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