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SB 900

Criminal Procedure - As enacted, prohibits a defendant charged with certain offenses from being released on the defendant's personal recognizance or upon execution of an unsecured bond. - Amends TCA Title 40.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Bobby Harshbarger

Extends deadline for county reports evaluating judicial commissioner use from April 1 to April 15 annually, giving counties two additional weeks for assessment compilation.

Comp. became Pub. Ch. 933
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Bill Summary · SB 900

Legislative bill overview

SB 900 extends the deadline for Tennessee county legislative bodies to submit evaluation reports on judicial commissioners from April 1 to April 15 each year. These reports go to general sessions criminal court judges and relevant legislative committee chairs, assessing how judicial commissioners are being utilized in the county's criminal justice system.

Why is this important

Judicial commissioners handle preliminary criminal matters, so regular evaluations ensure they're functioning effectively and serving their intended purpose. The two-week extension provides counties additional time to gather data and conduct thorough assessments before submitting findings to judicial and legislative oversight bodies.

Potential points of contention

  • Administrative burden vs. necessity: Unclear whether the extension addresses genuine data-gathering challenges or simply reduces accountability urgency
  • Oversight effectiveness: A 15-day delay may marginally impact legislative responsiveness to problems identified in evaluations
  • Equity across counties: Larger counties may need more time for comprehensive reviews, while smaller counties may find the extension unnecessary, raising questions about one-size-fits-all policy

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

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