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SB 1599

Criminal Procedure - As introduced, prohibits a court from assessing court costs against a defendant in a criminal proceeding if the defendant is found not guilty by a jury or by a judge following a bench trial on all charges for which the defendant was accused, the prosecution is dismissed or a nolle prosequi is entered by the state, or the charges against the defendant are dismissed by the court. - Amends TCA Title 39 and Title 40.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by London Lamar

Prohibits Tennessee courts from charging court costs to defendants acquitted or whose charges are dismissed, eliminating financial penalties for those not convicted.

Placed on Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee calendar for 4/20/2026
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Bill Summary · SB 1599

Legislative bill overview

SB 1599 prohibits Tennessee courts from charging court costs to defendants who are acquitted, have charges dismissed, or have prosecution dropped. The bill amends the state's criminal procedure statutes to eliminate financial penalties assessed against defendants in these outcomes.

Why is this important

Court costs can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars and create significant financial burdens for people whose cases don't result in conviction. This policy directly affects access to justice and the financial impact of being charged with a crime, even when a defendant is ultimately vindicated.

Potential points of contention

  • Revenue impact: Courts and local governments rely partly on court cost collections to fund operations; eliminating these charges may shift costs to taxpayers or reduce judicial system funding
  • Scope of dismissals: The bill covers prosecution dismissals and nolle prosequi (prosecutor withdrawal), which could include cases dismissed for reasons other than defendant innocence, potentially including prosecutorial discretion or procedural issues
  • Distinguishing acquittal from dismissal: Questions about whether dismissed cases represent actual innocence versus technical dismissals, and whether treating all dismissals identically is equitable

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

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