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HB 2504

Sentencing - As introduced, requires a defendant to be sentenced to imprisonment for life as a repeat violent offender under certain circumstances. - Amends TCA Title 38; Title 39; Title 40 and Title 41.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Cameron Sexton

Tennessee bill mandates life imprisonment for repeat violent offenders, limiting judicial sentencing discretion and increasing state incarceration costs.

Taken off notice for cal. in Finance, Ways and Means Committee
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Bill Summary · HB 2504

Legislative bill overview

HB 2504 mandates life imprisonment sentences for defendants classified as repeat violent offenders under specified circumstances in Tennessee. The bill modifies sentencing statutes across multiple Tennessee Code Annotated titles governing criminal procedure and sentencing guidelines.

Why is this important

Mandatory sentencing provisions directly impact judicial discretion, incarceration rates, and prison system capacity. This legislation affects both public safety policy and individual criminal justice outcomes for repeat violent offenders, with potential budget implications for state corrections systems.

Potential points of contention

  • Judicial discretion vs. mandatory minimums: Removes judge flexibility to consider individual circumstances, mitigating factors, or case-specific context when sentencing repeat violent offenders
  • Definition scope: The bill's specific criteria for "repeat violent offender" classification and which prior convictions trigger mandatory life sentences could be broadly or narrowly interpreted
  • Fiscal impact: Increased mandatory life sentences expand long-term incarceration costs and prison population management, affecting state budget allocations and facility capacity

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

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