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Committee advances 24‑month pilot allowing county clerks to notify victims of local services
Summary
An amendment to HB2564 would create a two‑year pilot in Davidson and Shelby counties enabling county clerks to notify victims about locally available victim‑service options; proponents said the notices would be informational and voluntary while some members worried about retraumatizing survivors.
The committee voted to send House Bill 2564 as amended to the full judiciary committee after a debate about whether court‑system outreach to victims would help or risk retraumatization. The sponsor described a 24‑month pilot limited to Shelby and Davidson counties that would permit county clerks to notify victims of available victim services; "This is simply letting them know the options that are available," the sponsor said, adding that information would not be shared with third parties or used to solicit victims.
Several members, including one with prosecutorial experience, said many survivors prefer to be left alone and cautioned that repeated outreach can reopen wounds. The sponsor and supporters emphasized the pilot is optional, limited in scope and intended to connect victims with services who otherwise might not learn they exist. The clerk recorded 8 ayes, 0 noes and 1 present not voting on sending HB2564 as amended to full judiciary.
