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HB 1986

State Inmates - As introduced, requires the department of correction to provide notification of an inmate's furlough to the police chief of the city in which the inmate resides. - Amends TCA Title 40 and Title 41.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Rusty Grills

Tennessee bill requiring Department of Correction to notify police chiefs when inmates receive furloughs to improve law enforcement awareness in affected communities.

Transmitted to Governor for his action.
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Bill Summary · HB 1986

Legislative bill overview

HB 1986 requires Tennessee's Department of Correction to notify local police chiefs when inmates are granted furloughs (temporary releases from incarceration). The bill modifies state corrections law to establish this notification requirement as standard procedure.

Why is this important

Furlough programs allow inmates supervised temporary release for purposes like family visits or job interviews, but communities and law enforcement may have little visibility into who is temporarily released in their jurisdiction. This notification requirement aims to improve public safety coordination by ensuring local police have advance knowledge of temporarily released inmates in their areas.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation burden: Police departments must receive and process notifications for potentially many furloughs; unclear if resources exist or if notification systems are feasible
  • Privacy considerations: Some argue inmate information should remain confidential or that broad notification could lead to discrimination or vigilantism against furloughed inmates
  • Effectiveness questions: Unclear whether police notification actually improves public safety or is primarily a transparency/awareness measure without actionable enforcement mechanisms
  • Scope ambiguity: The bill language doesn't specify which furloughs trigger notification (all types? certain offenses?) or how advance notice must be provided

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

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