General Assembly Strongly Supports Brave Efforts of Law Enforcement

By State Senator Page Walley

Tennessee – particularly our senate district – is blessed to have some of the finest local and state law enforcement officers in the country. I am so grateful for their service and sacrifice to keep our communities safe. Our law enforcement have our full support in the General Assembly. We recognize that their work is critical to making Tennessee a great place to live, work and raise a family. In the 2024 legislative session, we focused heavily on passing good laws to improve public safety and support the work of law enforcement.

To address the issue of persistent crime, we passed a law this year that creates a Class E felony offense for repeat misdemeanor offenders. Under the new law, after three or more convictions of certain violent misdemeanor offenses, such as domestic assault or child neglect, the third or subsequent offense could be raised from a class D misdemeanor to a class E felony. After five or more convictions of qualifying non-violent misdemeanors in the past 10 years, the offender could be subject to a class E felony at the discretion of a judge.

It is unacceptable for criminals to commit multiple crimes in our communities without any significant consequences for their actions. This legislation will improve public safety by holding habitual offenders accountable and send a strong message that this behavior is not tolerated in Tennessee.

We passed other new laws this year aimed at keeping criminals off the streets by strengthening the state’s bail bond system. One new law ensures that a defendant’s ability to pay is not used as a determining factor when setting bail. And another law requires judges to prioritize the safety of the community when setting bail for defendants. Other factors will still be considered including: the likelihood of appearing for the court date, nature of offense, and apparent probability of conviction. Under this legislation, the community will be put first and foremost when considering bail determinations for those charged with a crime.

We also approved legislation to enable law enforcement to arrest a defendant who is suspected of violating the conditions of their bond release. The new law makes it a Class A misdemeanor to violate the conditions of a bond release. Previously law enforcement would have to wait for the district attorney’s office to file a motion and schedule a court hearing which could take weeks.

Additionally, this year the General Assembly passed a resolution proposing to amend the state constitution to expand judges’ ability to deny bail for certain violent crimes when it is in the best interest of public safety. Current law limits judges’ ability to deny bail to first-degree murder charges.

If ratified by voters, the measure would add the following criminal charges that can be denied bail: Violent offenses of terrorism, second-degree murder, aggravated rape, grave torture. It also would allow judges to deny bail for violent offenses that would require the defendant, if convicted, to serve at least 85 percent of their entire sentence under the state’s Truth in Sentencing law.

Under the measure, judges could only deny bail when the proof is evident or the presumption of guilt is great. The reasoning for denying bail must also be put into the record. In the 2024 legislation session, this constitutional amendment passed its first of two required passages by the General Assembly.

In the General Assembly we have tremendous respect for the work of law enforcement officers. Every year we strive to pass laws that will make it easier for law enforcement to keep dangerous criminals off the streets and ensure law-abiding citizens can live safely in their communities. We will continue to partner with law enforcement to ensure we build on our joint efforts to ensure Tennessee remains a great state to live, work and raise a family.

I want to do all possible to make sure our district’s law enforcement officers know they are appreciated. I thank them and their families for all they do for us. As you encounter these brave men and women, please take time to express your personal gratitude. As always, if I can be of assistance to you, please contact me at (615) 741-2368 or sen.page.walley@capitol.tn.gov.

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