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SB 2420

Sentencing - As introduced, reduces the time within which a sentencing hearing must be held from within 45 days after a finding of guilt to within 30 days after the finding of guilt. - Amends TCA Title 38; Title 39 and Title 40.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Sara Kyle

The bill requires sentencing hearings after a guilty verdict to be held within 30 days, down from 45, effective July 1, 2026.

Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Judiciary Committee
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 2420

Summary of Tennessee SB 2420 (Session 114)

Purpose

  • The bill reduces the maximum time allowed for holding a sentencing hearing after a guilty verdict or finding of guilt. Specifically, it shortens the window from 45 days to 30 days.
  • Scope: Amends Tennessee Code Annotated (TCA) Title 38; Title 39; Title 40. The primary change is in sentencing timing.

Key Provisions

  • Amends TCA § 40-35-209(a) to change the mandatory timeframe for sentencing after a guilty verdict:
    • Old language: sentencing hearing must be held within 45 days after finding guilt.
    • New language: sentencing hearing must be held within 30 days after finding guilt.
  • Effective date: July 1, 2026.

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • Courts: The primary impact is on trial courts (criminal courts) responsible for scheduling sentencing hearings. Courts must adjust calendars to ensure sentencing occurs within 30 days.
  • Defendants: Individuals found guilty or pleading guilty will be scheduled for sentencing sooner, potentially affecting pre-sentencing preparation timelines.
  • Prosecutors and defense counsel: May need to adjust case management and preparation schedules to align with the shortened window.
  • Overall caseload operations: The Fiscal Note indicates no significant expected fiscal impact; courts are presumed able to accommodate the tighter timeline within current resources.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

  • Effective date: July 1, 2026, giving courts time to adjust to the new deadline.
  • Implementation: The change is a straightforward statutory adjustment to the sentencing deadline. It does not appear to alter other sentencing procedures or eligibility for post-conviction or appeal processes beyond timing.

Fiscal Note (from Fiscal Review Committee)

  • Title: SB 2420 - SB 2311
  • Fiscal impact: Not significant.
  • Assumptions: Courts already aim to conduct sentencing hearings promptly after guilt; the shortened window is expected to be manageable within existing resources.
  • Conclusion: The proposed change is not anticipated to impose meaningful additional costs or resource strain on the court system.

Legislative History (as of provided text)

  • Introduced: February 2, 2026
  • Passed First Consideration: February 2, 2026
  • Passed Second Consideration: February 5, 2026
  • Refer to Senate Judiciary Committee: February 5, 2026
  • Sponsor: Co-sponsor Sara Kyle

If you’d like, I can provide a short comparison with the current law side-by-side or draft a plain-language explainer for distribution to stakeholders.

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

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