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SB 2376

Elder Abuse - As introduced, extends from 10 to 20 days, the time within which a court must schedule a hearing on a petition to freeze the funds of a criminal defendant charged with financial exploitation of an elderly or vulnerable adult involving the taking more than $5,000 of property while the criminal proceeding is pending for purposes of restitution to the victim. - Amends TCA Title 39, Chapter 15.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Paul Rose

Extends the court deadline to hold hearings on asset-freeze petitions in elder financial exploitation cases from 10 to 20 days to protect restitution interests.

Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Judiciary Committee
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Bill Summary · SB 2376

Summary of Bill: SB 2376 (Session 114) – Tennessee

Title

Elder Abuse – As introduced, extends from 10 to 20 days the time within which a court must schedule a hearing on a petition to freeze the funds of a criminal defendant charged with financial exploitation of an elderly or vulnerable adult involving the taking more than $5,000 of property while the criminal proceeding is pending, for purposes of restitution to the victim. Amends TCA Title 39, Chapter 15.

Purpose and Intent

  • To extend the deadline by which courts must hold a hearing on a petition to freeze assets in cases involving financial exploitation of an elderly or vulnerable adult, from 10 days to 20 days.
  • The goal is to ensure timely court action on asset-freeze petitions while the related criminal proceeding is pending, particularly when restitution to the victim is involved.

Key Provisions

  • Amends Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-15-502(c)(4) by removing the last sentence of the current subdivision and substituting: “The court shall hold a hearing on the motion no later than twenty (20) days from the date the motion is filed.”
  • Effective date: July 1, 2026 (the public welfare requires it).

Affected Parties and Effects

  • Defendants: Individuals charged with financial exploitation of an elderly or vulnerable adult (involving taking more than $5,000 of property) whose criminal proceedings are pending.
  • Victims: Elderly or vulnerable adults who may be entitled to restitution; faster court-ordered asset freezes can aid in ensuring restitution.
  • Courts: The procedural timeline for scheduling hearings on motions to freeze funds is extended from 10 days to 20 days.
  • Potentially affected stakeholders include defense counsel, prosecutors, and victims’ advocacy groups.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

  • The bill changes the mandatory hearing timeline from 10 days to 20 days after filing the motion to freeze funds.
  • The period in which a motion to release funds can be filed remains 30 days from the court order (existing framework referenced in the fiscal note).
  • The fiscal note indicates the change does not create a significant fiscal impact and will not meaningfully alter overall court workload.

Fiscal Impact

  • Estimated to be not significant.
  • No major changes anticipated in state or local government costs.

Legislative History (as of provided text)

  • Introduced: February 2, 2026
  • Passed First Consideration: February 2, 2026
  • Passed Second Consideration: February 5, 2026
  • Sponsor: Senator Rose; Co-sponsor: Rep. Moody (HB 2183)
  • Reported by Fiscal Note: February 11, 2026

Summary

SB 2376 modestly extends the deadline for courts to hold hearings on asset-freeze petitions in financial exploitation cases involving elderly or vulnerable adults from 10 to 20 days. The measure aims to balance timely court action with the protection of victims’ restitution interests and is set to take effect July 1, 2026. The fiscal impact is projected to be minimal.

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

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