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SB 1759

State Inmates - As introduced, requires the department of correction to keep a copy of each validated risk and needs assessment of each inmate under its supervision and control for the duration of the inmate's period of incarceration. - Amends TCA Title 41.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Richard Briggs

The bill requires the Department of Correction to retain a copy of each inmate’s validated risk and needs assessment for the entire incarceration period.

Assigned to General Subcommittee of Senate State and Local Government Committee
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Bill Summary · SB 1759

Summary of Bill: SB 1759 (Session 114) – Tennessee

Purpose and Intent

  • This bill requires the Department of Correction (DOC) to maintain, for the duration of an inmate’s incarceration, a copy of each inmate’s validated risk and needs assessment.
  • It amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 41, specifically adding a new subsection to Section 41-1-126.

Key Provisions

  • New requirement: The DOC must keep a copy of every inmate’s validated risk and needs assessment for the entire period of incarceration (i.e., from arrival in custody through release or transfer).
  • Scope: Applies to inmates under DOC supervision and control.
  • Effective date: The act becomes law upon the governor’s signature and publication (i.e., immediately once enacted).

Affected Parties and Entities

  • Primary: Tennessee Department of Correction (DOC).
  • Secondary: Inmates under DOC supervision or custody; potentially impacts DOC recordkeeping and data retention practices.

Relationship to Existing Law

  • The bill references and aligns with existing statutory requirements (Tenn. Code Ann. § 41-1-126(b)) that mandate validated risk and needs assessments for felony offenders under supervision or custody, with assessments conducted at intake and at least annually.
  • The new subsection (e) adds a data-retention obligation specific to maintaining copies of these assessments.

Fiscal and Administrative Impact

  • Fiscal impact: Described as not significant.
  • Rationale: The fiscal note indicates that the DOC can retain the required assessments using existing resources, and the change is expected not to meaningfully alter operations or expenditures.
  • No new funding or major capital investments are anticipated.

Timeline and Legislative Status

  • Intro/Initial action: Filed January 20, 2026.
  • Committee actions:
    • Assigned to General Subcommittee of Senate State and Local Government Committee (March 3, 2026).
    • On Senate State and Local Government Committee agenda (February 24, 2026).
  • Passages:
    • Passed first consideration on January 21, 2026; passed second consideration on January 22, 2026.
  • Sponsors:
    • Primary: Senator Briggs (co-sponsor).
    • House counterpart: Representative Hurt (HB 2245).

Practical Implications

  • Improves institutional record-keeping by ensuring a persistent, accessible copy of risk/needs assessments accompanies an inmate during incarceration.
  • May enhance continuity of care, case planning, and program assignments if assessments are referenced consistently across staff and over time.
  • Could streamline use of assessment data for internal reviews, audits, or research, while remaining subject to existing privacy and data governance rules.

This summary provides a concise overview of SB 1759, focusing on what the bill changes, who it affects, and the expected administrative impact. If you need, I can add a side-by-side comparison with current law or draft potential questions for stakeholders.

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

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