WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 1200

Tennessee Bureau of Investigation - As enacted, enacts "Savanna's Law," which creates a registry of persistent domestic violence offenders; requires the bureau to maintain the registry. - Amends TCA Title 18; Section 38-6-103; Title 39 and Title 40.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Doc Kumar

Tennessee creates a statewide registry of repeat domestic violence offenders managed by the Bureau of Investigation, effective January 2026, to enhance public safety and law enforcement response.

Pub. Ch. 520
#tennesseebureauofinvestigation
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1200

Legislative bill overview

HB 1200 enacts "Savanna's Law" in Tennessee, establishing a statewide registry of persistent domestic violence offenders maintained by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. The law amends multiple sections of Tennessee Code Annotated to create registration requirements and enforcement mechanisms for individuals with repeated domestic violence convictions.

Why is this important

Domestic violence registry laws aim to increase public awareness and law enforcement accountability by creating centralized records of repeat offenders. This approach is intended to help protect potential victims by enabling faster identification of dangerous individuals and informing intervention decisions by law enforcement and courts.

Potential points of contention

  • Privacy and due process concerns: Registry creation raises constitutional questions about offender privacy rights, collateral consequences of public designation, and whether the registry's scope is appropriately tailored to genuine public safety threats
  • Definition and scope ambiguity: The bill's effectiveness depends heavily on how "persistent" domestic violence is defined and which offenses qualify—overly broad definitions could ensnare non-violent cases while narrow ones may miss high-risk offenders
  • Resource and implementation costs: Establishing and maintaining a registry requires significant ongoing funding for database management, law enforcement training, and compliance monitoring that may strain TBI resources

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

Sign in to ask a question.