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TennesseeHB 0371114th General Assembly (2025-2026)House

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 40-35-302, relative to sentencing requirements for certain misdemeanor offenders.

Sponsored By: Rick Scarbrough (Republican)

Became Law

Sentencing

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.

Cognitive behavioral course required for Class A misdemeanors

If you are convicted of a Class A misdemeanor in general sessions court, you must complete a cognitive behavioral training course unless the court says it is inappropriate. If your sentence includes jail time, you complete the course after you are released. You must give proof of completion to the court or its designee within the time the court sets. Willful failure is contempt of court and can lead to up to 10 days in jail. Beginning July 1, 2025, this applies to offenses committed on or after that date.

Course costs up to $100, with online options

You pay for the course. The county does not have to pay, even if you are indigent. The course can cost no more than $100 and must offer payment options. It must be available online on a computer or phone, offered in languages besides English, and include human help like grading or feedback. Providers must already serve a government program with published results, offer phone support at least five days a week, use human graders, and give a certificate within 72 hours. Counties or cities may offer in-person classes, but they must also offer a compliant online program. These rules apply to offenses on or after July 1, 2025.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Rick Scarbrough

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • G.A. Hardaway

    Democrat • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 183 • No: 8

Senate vote • 4/21/2025

FLOOR VOTE: Third Consideration 4/21/2025

Yes: 25 • No: 5

House vote • 4/21/2025

HOUSE CALENDAR & RULES COMMITTEE

Yes: 0 • No: 0

House vote • 4/21/2025

FLOOR VOTE: REGULAR CALENDAR AS AMENDED PASSAGE ON THIRD CONSIDERATION 4/21/2025

Yes: 89 • No: 3

House vote • 4/17/2025

HOUSE FINANCE, WAYS, AND MEANS SUBCOMMITTEE

Yes: 11 • No: 0

House vote • 4/17/2025

HOUSE FINANCE, WAYS, AND MEANS COMMITTEE

Yes: 27 • No: 0

House vote • 4/8/2025

HOUSE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE

Yes: 22 • No: 0

House vote • 4/1/2025

HOUSE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SUBCOMMITTEE

Yes: 9 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Pub. Ch. 481

    5/27/2025

  2. Effective date(s) 07/01/2025

    5/27/2025

  3. Signed by Governor.

    5/21/2025

  4. Transmitted to Governor for his action.

    5/9/2025House

  5. Signed by Senate Speaker

    5/8/2025Senate

  6. Signed by H. Speaker

    4/30/2025House

  7. Enrolled; ready for sig. of H. Speaker.

    4/24/2025House

  8. Sponsor(s) Added.

    4/21/2025House

  9. H. adopted am. (Amendment 1 - HA0322)

    4/21/2025House

  10. Passed H., as am., Ayes 89, Nays 3, PNV 1

    4/21/2025House

  11. Engrossed; ready for transmission to Sen.

    4/21/2025House

  12. Received from House, Passed on First Consideration

    4/21/2025Senate

  13. Senate substituted House Bill for companion Senate Bill.

    4/21/2025Senate

  14. Amendment withdrawn. (Amendment 1 - SA0207)

    4/21/2025Senate

  15. Amendment withdrawn. (Amendment 2 - SA0369)

    4/21/2025Senate

  16. Passed Senate, Ayes 25, Nays 5, PNV 3

    4/21/2025Senate

  17. Rec. for pass by s/c ref. to Finance, Ways, and Means Committee

    4/17/2025House

  18. Rec. for pass; ref to Calendar & Rules Committee

    4/17/2025House

  19. Placed on cal. Calendar & Rules Committee for 4/17/2025

    4/17/2025House

  20. H. Placed on Regular Calendar for 4/21/2025

    4/17/2025House

  21. Placed on s/c cal Finance, Ways, and Means Subcommittee for 4/17/2025

    4/16/2025House

  22. Placed behind the budget

    4/14/2025House

  23. Placed on s/c cal Finance, Ways, and Means Subcommittee for 4/14/2025

    4/14/2025House

  24. Placed on s/c cal Finance, Ways, and Means Subcommittee for 4/14/2025

    4/9/2025House

  25. Rec. for pass. if am., ref. to Finance, Ways, and Means Committee

    4/8/2025House

Bill Text

  • HA0322 (Substitute)

    4/21/2025

    PDF

  • Enrolled / Public Chapter

    PDF

  • Fiscal Note

    PDF

  • Introduced

    PDF

  • SA0207

    PDF

  • SA0369

    PDF

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