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HB 2564

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 Bob Freeman

TN bill requires Attorney General to notify crime victims of escrow funds via email, phone, and text simultaneously to ensure receipt of judgment settlement information.

Rec. for pass. if am., ref. to Calendar & Rules Committee
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Bill Summary · HB 2564

Legislative bill overview

HB 2564 mandates that when the Attorney General notifies crime victims about escrow accounts containing funds to satisfy civil judgments, the notification must occur through multiple channels: email, phone call, and text message. The bill amends Tennessee's victims' rights statutes across five title codes to codify these specific notification requirements.

Why is this important

Crime victims depend on civil judgments and escrow accounts to recover financial losses from their victimization. Currently, notification methods may be inconsistent or incomplete, potentially causing victims to miss opportunities to claim available funds. Requiring multi-channel notification increases the likelihood that victims actually receive critical information about money owed to them.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs and burden: Requiring three separate notification methods increases administrative workload and costs for the Attorney General's office, which may need to update systems and processes
  • Privacy and contact information concerns: The bill assumes the state has current email addresses, phone numbers, and cell numbers for all victims; outdated contact information could still result in missed notifications despite compliance efforts
  • Scope ambiguity: The bill doesn't clarify whether all three methods must succeed before compliance, or if attempting all three satisfies the requirement, which could create enforcement disagreements

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

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