Summary: SB 1492 (Session 114) – Criminal Offenses – Crime Stoppers Programs (Tennessee)
Purpose and Intent
- Directs the Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations (TACIR) to study the status of crime stoppers programs statewide and to make recommendations to enhance and improve their outcomes.
- Aims to establish a more coordinated, accountable, and effective framework for crime stoppers programs across Tennessee.
Key Provisions
Section 1 — TACIR Study Mandate
TACIR shall conduct a comprehensive assessment of crime stoppers programs, including:
- Data collection and reporting capabilities: evaluate strengths, weaknesses, and overall quality of data and reporting.
- Funding and fundraising: analyze funding streams, stability, and the ability of programs to fundraise, including identify financial strengths and weaknesses.
- Partnerships: assess the collaboration among crime stoppers organizations, local law enforcement agencies, and the broader community.
Section 2 — Recommendations for Improvement
TACIR shall propose methods to improve outcomes, including:
- Increased statewide coordination, accountability, and program capacity.
- Greater public engagement and higher tip volume.
- Improved effectiveness and cost efficiency in law enforcement efforts.
- Stronger trust and collaboration between communities and law enforcement.
- Standardization of program standards and best practices across the state.
- Establishing a statewide framework for support and accountability for crime stoppers programs.
Section 3 — Information Requests
TACIR may request information and input from other state and local governmental entities as needed, and those entities are required to comply.
Section 4 — Reporting
Upon completion, TACIR must report findings and recommendations (including any proposed legislation) to:
- The chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee.
- The chair of the House committee with jurisdiction over criminal justice matters.
- A copy to the legislative librarian (electronic delivery allowed).
Section 5 — Effective Date
- The act takes effect July 1, 2026.
Additional Context
- Fiscal Note: The fiscal review indicates a NOT SIGNIFICANT impact. The study is to be carried out with TACIR’s existing resources, with reliance on existing staff and potential cooperation from state and local agencies.
- Legislative History: Passed both chambers with broad support (e.g., Senate 32-0; House 96-0 on final passage), sponsor Becky Massey (with cross-reference to House sponsor Carringer).
- Supporting Documents Summary: Emphasizes TACIR’s use of existing resources and potential intergovernmental cooperation; no new dedicated funding identified.
Potential Impact
- Clarifies the state’s approach to crime stoppers via a structured, data-driven assessment and standardized best practices.
- Could lead to future legislation establishing statewide standards, reporting requirements, funding frameworks, and enhanced public-private-law enforcement partnerships.
- Aims to improve tip intake, community trust, and efficiency of crime-solving efforts without imposing new costs or staffing burdens on the state in the near term.
If you’d like, I can expand this with a quick comparison to current Tennessee crime stoppers practices or outline potential statutory changes that could follow from TACIR’s recommendations.
