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SB 505

Montgomery County - As enacted, permits a court to transfer, upon motion by the defendant, a criminal case to the veterans treatment court program in Montgomery County if the veterans treatment court program would have jurisdiction over the case if the offense had been committed in Montgomery County, the defendant files with the court a written waiver of the right to be tried by an impartial jury of the county in which the crime was committed, and the district attorney general for Montgomery County agrees to accept transfer of the case. - Amends TCA Title 16 and Title 40.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026)

Tennessee law permits defendants to transfer criminal cases to Montgomery County's veterans treatment court with defendant's jury trial waiver and prosecutor consent.

Comp. became Pub. Ch. 489
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Bill Summary · SB 505

Legislative bill overview

SB 505 allows criminal defendants in Tennessee to request transfer of their cases to Montgomery County's veterans treatment court, provided the defendant waives jury trial rights, the district attorney agrees, and the court would have jurisdiction. The bill amends Tennessee's criminal procedure and court jurisdiction statutes to enable this transfer mechanism.

Why is this important

Veterans treatment courts offer specialized rehabilitation and supervision programs designed for military veterans involved in the criminal justice system, potentially reducing recidivism and incarceration costs while addressing underlying service-related issues. This bill expands access to these alternative courts by allowing cases to be transferred geographically, giving defendants a potential pathway away from traditional criminal prosecution.

Potential points of contention

  • Jury trial waiver requirement - Defendants must surrender constitutional jury trial rights to access the program, raising questions about whether vulnerable populations (veterans with PTSD or TBI) can freely consent to such waivers
  • Prosecutorial gatekeeping - The district attorney's discretionary consent power means access depends on prosecutorial cooperation, which could create disparities in who receives veterans court opportunities
  • Jurisdiction expansion - Allowing cases to transfer across county lines may conflict with venue requirements designed to keep trials in the defendant's home county for community justice and victim access purposes

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

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