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House clarifies venue for prosecutions of bond-condition violations
Summary
House passed House Bill 78 to clarify that prosecutions for knowingly violating conditions of release should be held in the county where the conduct occurred. The bill was adopted with a committee amendment and passed on third reading.
The Tennessee House passed House Bill 78 on third and final consideration after adopting a committee amendment that clarified venue for prosecutions alleging a defendant knowingly violated a condition of release.
Representative Stevens, sponsor, said the bill "clarifies that venue for prosecution of the offense of knowingly violating a bond condition is in the county in which the conduct occurs," and the bill was amended in committee. The sponsor renewed his motion to pass following adoption of committee amendment number 1.
Why it matters: The amendment and bill specify the county where prosecution should be held, rather than leaving venue ambiguous. The House adopted the committee amendment on the floor by voice vote and later passed the bill by recorded roll-call.
Formal action: Committee amendment number 1 was adopted on the floor. Representative Stevens moved passage of House Bill 78 as amended; the clerk recorded the tally as 94 yes. The presiding officer declared the bill passed.
Implementation: The change is procedural and affects venue decisions for prosecutors handling alleged bond-condition violations.
