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SB 1895

DUI Offenses - As introduced, allows a person convicted of driving under the influence of an intoxicant involving alcohol or opioids to agree to receive naltrexone injections at the person's own expense for a period of 12 continuous months in lieu of being required to operate only a motor vehicle equipped with an ignition interlock device. - Amends TCA Title 39; Title 40 and Title 55, Chapter 10.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Janice Bowling

Allows DUI offenders to choose 12-month naltrexone treatment instead of ignition interlock, creating potential equity issues since offenders must pay and only wealthy defendants can access the alternative.

Placed on Senate Judiciary Committee calendar for 3/23/2026
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Bill Summary · SB 1895

Legislative bill overview

SB 1895 allows DUI offenders convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or opioids to substitute a 12-month course of naltrexone injections (at their own expense) in place of being required to use an ignition interlock device. The bill amends Tennessee's DUI statutes and motor vehicle regulations to create this alternative compliance pathway.

Why is this important

This bill addresses two public health concerns simultaneously: reducing repeat DUI offenses through medication-assisted treatment while potentially lowering costs for offenders who can afford naltrexone. Naltrexone is an FDA-approved medication that reduces cravings for alcohol and opioids, so this represents a harm-reduction approach to DUI sentencing rather than purely punitive measures.

Potential points of contention

  • Equity concerns: The "at person's own expense" requirement means only offenders who can afford naltrexone (~$500-1,000+ monthly) can access this alternative, potentially creating a two-tiered justice system where wealthier offenders get a more lenient requirement than those without resources
  • Public safety trade-off: Ignition interlocks provide direct mechanical prevention of impaired driving, while naltrexone is behavioral—removing the interlock requirement could disadvantage public safety if medication compliance fails
  • Medical coercion debate: Requiring medication as an alternative sentence raises questions about bodily autonomy and whether drug treatment should be court-mandated rather than voluntary

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

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