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SB 1181

Criminal Procedure - As introduced, lowers from 20 days to 15 days the notice of a hearing on a petition for restoration of rights of citizenship that must be given to the district attorney general of the county in which the petitioner currently resides and the district attorney general of the county in which the petitioner was convicted in order that, if deemed advisable, each may resist. - Amends TCA Title 2; Title 4; Title 22; Title 36; Title 39 and Title 40.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Raumesh Akbari

Reduces notice period for citizenship restoration hearings from 20 to 15 days for district attorneys, accelerating criminal procedure timelines in Tennessee.

Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Judiciary Committee
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Bill Summary · SB 1181

Legislative bill overview

SB 1181 reduces the mandatory notice period for citizenship restoration hearings from 20 days to 15 days that must be provided to district attorneys in both the county where the petitioner currently resides and where they were convicted. This streamlines procedural timelines in criminal procedure law across multiple Tennessee statutory codes.

Why is this important

This change affects individuals petitioning to restore their citizenship rights after conviction, potentially accelerating case resolution. The reduced timeline impacts both petitioners seeking expedited restoration and prosecutors' ability to prepare opposition arguments, making it a meaningful procedural efficiency measure in the criminal justice system.

Potential points of contention

  • Due process concerns: District attorneys may argue that 15 days is insufficient time to adequately review case files and prepare legal arguments against restoration, particularly in complex cases or when records must be retrieved from archives
  • Fairness to prosecutors: The change places additional burden on two separate district attorney offices to coordinate and respond within a compressed timeframe, potentially disadvantaging the state's ability to mount effective opposition
  • Variable preparedness: Some defendants may benefit disproportionately if prosecutors cannot adequately respond, raising questions about consistent application across counties with different administrative capacities

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

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