Tennessee Legislature advances domestic violence registry and victims' rights amendment

The Tennessee House Finance, Ways, and Means Committee convened on April 14, 2025, to discuss a series of significant legislative proposals, with a focus on constitutional amendments and public safety measures. The meeting highlighted the state's commitment to enhancing victims' rights and addressing public safety concerns through proposed amendments and new bills.

One of the key discussions centered around House Joint Resolution 48 (HJR 48), introduced by Chairman Doggett. This resolution aims to amend the state constitution to include enforceable victims' rights, known as "Marshy's Law." The committee unanimously approved the resolution, signaling strong bipartisan support for enhancing protections for victims within the legal framework.

Following this, Chairman Howe presented House Joint Resolution 49 (HJR 49), which proposes a ballot initiative allowing voters to decide if judges should have the discretion to deny bail to violent offenders. This measure is designed to enhance public safety by enabling judges to keep potentially dangerous individuals in custody if there is substantial evidence suggesting they pose a flight risk or threat to the community. Like HJR 48, this resolution also received unanimous approval from the committee.

Another significant proposal was House Joint Resolution 2 (HJR 2), presented by Chairman Darby. This resolution seeks to enshrine in the state constitution a prohibition against the collection of a statewide property tax. The intent is to alleviate financial burdens on property owners while allowing local governments to maintain their operational capabilities. The committee again showed strong support, passing the resolution without opposition.

In addition to constitutional amendments, the committee reviewed several bills aimed at modernizing regulations and enhancing public safety. House Bill 1242, introduced by Chairlady Hilton Haynes, proposes changes to the enforcement of pharmaceutical regulations, transferring oversight to the Attorney General's office and ensuring that savings from the 340B program are used in compliance with federal and state laws. This bill also passed unanimously.

Chairman Kumar introduced House Bill 1200, which establishes a Persistent Domestic Violence Offender Registry. This initiative, inspired by a tragic local incident, aims to provide a resource for individuals to check the backgrounds of potential partners and enhance community safety. The bill, which has garnered funding in the state budget, aims to prevent future tragedies by increasing awareness of domestic violence offenders.

The committee's discussions reflect a proactive approach to addressing pressing issues within Tennessee, particularly in the realms of victims' rights and public safety. With all proposed measures moving forward to the calendar and rules for further consideration, the committee's actions indicate a strong legislative commitment to enhancing protections for citizens and ensuring community safety.