WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 2650

Victims' Rights - As introduced, clarifies that the attorney general's required direct notification to a victim to notify such victim of the existence of an escrow account holding monies available to satisfy a civil judgment must include an email, phone call, and text message. - Amends TCA Title 29; Title 36; Title 37; Title 39 and Title 40.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Kerry Roberts

SB 2650 requires Tennessee's Attorney General to notify crime victims of escrow funds via email, phone, and text message to ensure they access civil judgment proceeds.

Transmitted to Governor for action.
#victims'rights
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 2650

Legislative bill overview

SB 2650 mandates that Tennessee's Attorney General use multiple communication methods—email, phone call, and text message—when notifying crime victims about escrow accounts containing funds available to satisfy civil judgments. The bill amends several sections of Tennessee code to standardize and strengthen victim notification procedures across the state's civil judgment system.

Why is this important

Crime victims seeking restitution often face delays in learning about available settlement funds. By requiring multi-method notification, the bill aims to ensure victims don't miss critical deadlines or opportunities to claim money owed to them. This addresses a practical gap where victims might miss email-only notices and lose access to their civil remedies.

Potential points of contention

  • Compliance burden: Requiring three separate notification methods could increase administrative costs and staffing demands for the Attorney General's office without corresponding budget increases
  • Effectiveness assumptions: The bill assumes victims have current email, phone, and text capabilities on file, but contact information may be outdated, particularly for vulnerable populations
  • Scope ambiguity: It's unclear whether "must include" means all three methods are required simultaneously or if failed attempts to reach one method suffice, creating potential enforcement questions

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

Sign in to ask a question.