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SB 635

Criminal Offenses - As introduced, removes the killing of another committed in the perpetration of, or attempt to perpetrate, certain crimes from the elements of first degree murder; deletes the offense of criminal responsibility for conduct of another; deletes the offense of criminal responsibility for the facilitation of a felony. - Amends TCA Title 39, Chapter 11; Title 39, Chapter 12; Title 39, Chapter 13; Title 39, Chapter 14; Title 40, Chapter 24; Title 40, Chapter 35 and Title 40, Chapter 39.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Ed Jackson

Eliminates Tennessee's felony murder rule and accomplice/facilitation liability statutes, narrowing when killings during crimes qualify as first-degree murder.

Withdrawn.
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Bill Summary · SB 635

Legislative bill overview

SB 635 would eliminate felony murder rule provisions from Tennessee law, removing the automatic classification of killings during certain felonies as first-degree murder. It also deletes statutes establishing criminal liability for accomplices and those who facilitate felonies, fundamentally restructuring how Tennessee prosecutes murders connected to other crimes and eliminates vicarious criminal liability for participants in crimes.

Why is this important

This bill would significantly narrow criminal culpability in high-stakes situations. Under current law, someone present during a robbery that results in death can be charged with first-degree murder even without pulling a trigger—this bill would eliminate that pathway. The changes would require prosecutors to prove direct intent to kill rather than relying on the defendant's participation in an underlying dangerous felony.

Potential points of contention

  • Public safety concerns: Victims' advocates and law enforcement argue felony murder rules deter participation in dangerous crimes and ensure accountability when deaths occur during felonies, even without intent to kill
  • Justice vs. accountability: Criminal justice reformers counter that holding someone fully responsible for first-degree murder without intent creates injustice, particularly for young or peripheral participants, while opponents view this as dangerous leniency
  • Accomplice liability implications: Removing accomplice liability statutes could leave victims without recourse against those who knowingly facilitated crimes, versus the reform argument that people shouldn't face murder charges for crimes they didn't commit

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

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