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Panel backs bill letting TBI investigate suspected elder financial exploitation without DA sign‑off
Summary
The subcommittee unanimously advanced HB 3-54 as amended, which gives the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation discretion to investigate suspected elder financial exploitation without first coordinating with the district attorney when immediate action is appropriate.
The committee approved an amendment and voted 9–0 to send HB 3-54, which clarifies how the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation handles reports of suspected elder financial exploitation.
Under the amended language, TBI would have discretion to determine the best investigative approach and — in urgent cases — to proceed without prior coordination with a district attorney. The sponsor said TBI may still coordinate with the district attorney general and other law enforcement or prosecutorial entities when appropriate.
Representative Powell and others praised the effort to improve response to elder exploitation and asked whether the change would reduce coordination with prosecutors. The sponsor said the bill restores investigators’ flexibility while still allowing coordination where sensible.
The bill was sent as amended to full judiciary by unanimous vote.
