Senate Finance Committee advances Savannah's Law establishing domestic violence offender registry

The Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee convened on April 16, 2025, to tackle key legislative items, with a significant focus on public safety and domestic violence prevention.

One of the standout discussions centered around Senate Bill 324, known as Savannah's Law, which aims to establish a domestic violence offender registry. This bill was inspired by the tragic case of Savannah Puckett, a 22-year-old deputy sheriff murdered by her partner, who had a history of domestic violence offenses. The proposed registry would allow the public to access information about individuals convicted of domestic violence-related crimes, including their names, birth dates, and conviction dates, while protecting sensitive personal information like addresses and social security numbers. The bill received unanimous support from committee members, highlighting a strong commitment to enhancing public safety and accountability for offenders.

In addition to Savannah's Law, the committee also reviewed Senate Bill 203, which pertains to specialty license plates. While this bill passed without much contention, it underscored the committee's ongoing work to finalize legislation ahead of the budget discussions.

As the committee moves forward, the passage of Savannah's Law marks a critical step in addressing domestic violence in Tennessee, aiming to provide greater transparency and protection for potential victims. The committee's actions reflect a proactive approach to legislative responsibilities, setting the stage for further discussions on the state budget later in the day.