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SB 2110

Sentencing - As introduced, makes the offense of sexual battery by an authority figure ineligible for probation. - Amends TCA Title 39 and Title 40.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026)

SB 2110/HB 2354 bars probation for anyone convicted of sexual battery by an authority figure, starting July 1, 2026, likely increasing incarceration.

Placed on Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee calendar for 4/20/2026
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Bill Summary · SB 2110

Summary of SB 2110 (Session 114) – Tennessee

Bill Overview

  • Official Title/Subject: Sentencing – as introduced, makes the offense of sexual battery by an authority figure ineligible for probation. Amends Tennessee Code Annotated (TCA) Titles 39 and 40.
  • Sponsor/Introduced as: Senate Bill 2110 (White) and House Bill 2354 (Littleton).
  • Status / Timeline: Effective July 1, 2026 (applies to offenses occurring on or after that date).

Main Purpose

  • To prohibit probation for individuals convicted of the offense known as sexual battery by an authority figure. The bill adds this offense to the enumerated offenses for which probation is not available, regardless of the sentence length.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Probation Ineligibility: The offense of sexual battery by an authority figure is added to the list of offenses for which probation is prohibited under TCA § 40-35-303.
  • Scope: Applies to offenses occurring on or after July 1, 2026. It does not appear to alter probation rules for inchoate offenses (attempt, conspiracy, solicitation) related to sexual battery by an authority figure, which are assumed to remain eligible for probation unless otherwise specified.
  • Cross-Referencing: The bill adds a new subdivision (a)(1)(G) to TCA § 40-35-303, corresponding to § 39-13-527 (the statute governing sexual battery by an authority figure).

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • Defendants: Individuals convicted of sexual battery by an authority figure will be ineligible for probation, potentially resulting in longer actual time served if the sentence is within the range eligible for probation but the statutory prohibition applies.
  • Corrections System: Increases in incarceration admissions and related costs, due to the inability to grant probation for qualifying offenses.
  • Judicial/Clerks’ Offices: Administrative changes to ensure sentencing decisions reflect non-probation eligibility for this offense.

Fiscal and Administrative Implications

  • Estimated Incarceration Impact:
    • The bill’s fiscal note projects an average of 7.2 additional annual admissions for this offense over the last decade’s data, with an average sentence of 5.24 years for the Class C felony offense.
    • The projected state incarceration cost increase totals about $523,000 over a three-year window (FY 2026-27 through FY 2028-29), with a rising pattern:
    • FY26-27: $172,200
    • FY27-28: $347,400
    • FY28-29: $523,000 (recurring)
  • Per-Inmate Costs Assumptions:
    • State facility average cost per inmate per day: ~$67.31
    • Local facility average cost per inmate per day: ~$48.40
  • Revenue Effects: The fiscal note indicates the change is not expected to significantly affect state or local revenue from court costs, fees, and fines; collection is considered insignificant.

Procedural/Timeline Details

  • Effective Date: July 1, 2026.
  • Applicability: Applies to offenses committed on or after the effective date.
  • Committee History (highlights):
    • Introduced and progressed through Senate Judiciary and Senate Finance, Ways, and Means committees.
    • Passed several readings in the 2026 session before this stage.

Plain-Language Takeaway

SB 2110/HB 2354 would remove the option of probation for anyone convicted of sexual battery by an authority figure beginning July 1, 2026. This change is expected to modestly increase prison admissions and incur additional state incarceration costs over the following years, reflecting the shift from potential probation to full incarceration for qualifying cases.

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

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