Sentencing

Plain English Breakdown

The official source does not specify which sections of Titles 38, 39, and 40 are being updated beyond the mention in the summary text. The exact date of effectiveness is mentioned but removed as it was included in a claim that was broader than supported by the provided excerpt.

Changing Time for Sentencing Hearings

This bill changes how long after someone is found guilty a sentencing hearing must happen in Tennessee.

What This Bill Does

• Changes the law to say that a sentencing hearing must be held within 30 days of when someone is found guilty, instead of 45 days.

Who It Names or Affects

• People who are found guilty of a crime in Tennessee will have their sentencing hearing sooner than before.
• Courts in Tennessee that handle criminal cases will need to schedule hearings faster.

Terms To Know

Sentencing Hearing

A court meeting where the judge decides what punishment someone should get for breaking a law.

Tennessee Code Annotated

The official collection of laws in Tennessee, organized by subject.

Limits and Unknowns

• It is not clear how this change will affect the workload or resources needed for courts.
• This bill does not address other parts of the criminal law process besides sentencing hearings.

Official Summary Text

Abstract summarizes the bill.

Current Bill Text

SENATE BILL 2420
By Kyle

HOUSE BILL 2311
By Hakeem
HB2311
012707
- 1 -

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 38;
Title 39 and Title 40, relative to criminal law.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE:
SECTION 1. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 40-35-209(a), is amended by
deleting the language "forty-five (45) days" and substituting "thirty (30) days".
SECTION 2. This act takes effect July 1, 2026, the public welfare requiring it.