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HB 2369

Criminal Procedure - As introduced, increases from $10 to $15 the minimum fee a defendant must pay per month as part payment of expenses incurred by the agency, department, program, group, or association supervising the defendant; removes the limitation on the penalty for illegally possessing a telecommunication device in a penal institution that required the Class E felony to be punished by a fine only; specifies that when an autopsy is requested by a municipality or municipal law enforcement agency, the cost of the autopsy must be paid by the municipality unless the cost is paid by the state. - Amends TCA Title 38; Title 39 and Title 40.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Clay Doggett

Bill raises defendant supervision fees to $15/month, allows prison sentences for phone smuggling, and requires municipalities to cover autopsy costs they request.

H. adopted am. (Amendment 1 - HA0999)
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Bill Summary · HB 2369

Legislative bill overview

HB 2369 makes three distinct changes to Tennessee criminal procedure law: it raises the monthly supervision fee defendants must pay from $10 to $15, removes restrictions on penalties for smuggling phones into prisons (allowing imprisonment in addition to fines), and shifts autopsy costs from the state to municipalities when they request the procedure.

Why is this important

These changes affect both defendants' financial obligations during supervision and how criminal justice costs are distributed between state and local governments. The phone smuggling provision could result in harsher sentences for prison contraband violations, while the autopsy cost shift may increase municipal budget pressures.

Potential points of contention

  • Supervision fee burden: Raising the monthly fee by 50% may disproportionately impact lower-income defendants already struggling financially, potentially affecting compliance rates or creating debt cycles
  • Prison phone penalties: Removing the "fine only" limitation could significantly increase incarceration for what some view as a non-violent offense, raising questions about proportionality and overcrowding
  • Municipal cost responsibility: Shifting autopsy costs to municipalities could strain local budgets, particularly for smaller jurisdictions, and may discourage thorough death investigations if costs become prohibitive

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

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