Orders of Protection - As introduced, allows a person to file a petition for a lifetime order of protection against a person who was convicted of certain offenses in another jurisdiction; provides that venue for such a petition is in the county where the respondent resides or, if the respondent is not a resident of this state, the county where the petitioner resides. - Amends TCA Title 36 and Title 39.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026)

Allows filing for a lifetime protection order against someone with qualifying offenses from another jurisdiction, with specific filing venues.

Signed by Senate Speaker

#ordersofprotection

Overview

SB 2145, as introduced, amends Tennessee law to allow a person to file for a lifetime order of protection against a respondent who has been convicted of certain offenses in another jurisdiction. The bill also specifies venue for such petitions. It amends TCA Title 36 (Protection from Domestic Abuse, etc.) and Title 39 (Crimes and Criminal Procedure).

Purpose and Intent

Create a mechanism for obtaining a lifetime order of protection against individuals who have been convicted of qualifying offenses in a jurisdiction outside Tennessee.

Clarify and expand venue options to accommodate petitioners who seek protection from respondents with prior foreign or out-of-state convictions.

Key Provisions and Changes

Establishes ability to file a petition for a lifetime order of protection (a type of restraining/protection order) targeting a respondent who was convicted of certain offenses in another jurisdiction.

Venue for filing:

In the county where the respondent resides, or
If the respondent is not a resident of Tennessee, in the county where the petitioner resides.

The measure modifies relevant provisions within:

Tennessee Code Annotated (TCA) Title 36 (Protection from Domestic Abuse, etc.)
TCA Title 39 (Crimes and Criminal Procedure)

Who is Affected

Petitioners seeking protection from individuals with foreign or out-of-state convictions for qualifying offenses.

Respondents who reside in Tennessee or who reside outside Tennessee but against whom the petitioner resides (depending on venue chosen).

Courts and clerks handling protective orders, as venue rules may impact filing location and processing.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Legislative history indicates the bill progressed through standard Tennessee General Assembly steps:

Introduced and first consideration in February 2026.
Passed the Senate (Ayes 31–Nays 0, PNV 1) on February 27, 2026.
Engrossed and sent to the House; substituted for a companion bill on April 21, 2026.
Passed the House on April 21, 2026 (Ayes 89–Nays 0, PNV 2).
Enrolled and signed by Senate Speaker on April 30, 2026; signed by Senate leadership and processed for final enactment.
Signed into law on or around April 30, 2026 (based on enacted status).

Practical Implications

Expands tools available to individuals seeking long-term protection from persons with prior offenses from outside Tennessee.

May affect filing logistics and access to protection orders, particularly for petitioners with cross-jurisdictional concerns or when respondents are non-residents.

Could increase the number of lifetime orders of protection in Tennessee courts by enabling out-of-state convictions to trigger protection mechanisms.

Notes

Specific “certain offenses” list is not detailed in the summary provided; the bill would reference offenses in another jurisdiction that qualify for a lifetime order.

Final text would provide precise procedural steps for filing, service, hearings, and enforcement mechanisms consistent with existing Tennessee protective order processes.

Bill

Bill Summary – SB 2145 (Session 114, Tennessee)