The Tennessee State Senate convened on March 17, 2025, for its 13th legislative day, where significant discussions centered around public safety and proposed constitutional amendments. The most notable topic was Senate Joint Resolution 25, which aims to amend the Tennessee Constitution to allow judges to deny bail for certain serious offenses, including second-degree murder and acts of terrorism.

Senator Johnson, the resolution's sponsor, emphasized that the current constitutional requirement mandates bail for all defendants except those charged with capital offenses, which he argued poses a danger to public safety. He stated that the amendment would empower judges to detain individuals charged with severe crimes if they pose a significant risk to the community. This change, he argued, aligns Tennessee with 23 other states that have modernized their bail laws to enhance public safety.

The resolution sparked a robust debate among senators. Supporters, including Senators Crow and Bolling, acknowledged the need for judicial discretion in high-risk cases, while others raised concerns about the potential for unintended consequences, including increased incarceration rates and financial burdens on local governments. Senator Gardiner highlighted the existing challenges within the correctional system, such as staffing shortages and the financial implications of expanding jail capacities.

Opponents of the resolution, including Senators Yarborough and Campbell, expressed apprehension about the erosion of constitutional rights, specifically the right to bail, which they argued is a fundamental principle of American jurisprudence. They cautioned that the amendment could lead to a slippery slope of diminishing civil liberties and questioned the clarity of the definition of terrorism within the proposed changes.

Despite the concerns raised, the Senate ultimately passed Senate Joint Resolution 25 with a vote of 23 in favor and 6 against, allowing it to proceed to a public vote in the next gubernatorial election. This decision marks a significant shift in Tennessee's approach to pretrial detention and reflects ongoing discussions about balancing public safety with individual rights.

In addition to the bail resolution, the Senate also addressed several other bills, including Senate Bill 191, which mandates local governments to seek approval from the comptroller for issuing high-risk debt, and Senate Bill 384, which allows municipalities to collect lodging taxes from extended stay hotels for the first 30 days of a guest's stay.

The session concluded with a focus on various legislative measures aimed at improving public safety, fiscal responsibility, and the efficiency of local government operations, underscoring the Senate's commitment to addressing pressing issues facing Tennessee communities.