Tennessee Bill Allowing Courts To Consider Juvenile Records When Setting Bail Passes Senate Committee

Image Credit: TN General Assembly

The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –

Senator Brent Taylor (R- Memphis- District 31) is sponsoring several pieces of legislation this session relating to juvenile offenders, including one which would permit a judge to factor juvenile records into setting bond for criminal offenses.

SB0221/HB0034, carried by Rep. John Gillespie (R- Memphis- District 97) in the House, would allow a judge to consider an adult offender’s prior juvenile and prior criminal records in setting bond if there is a “likelihood that because of the records the defendant will pose a risk of danger to the community.”

During the Senate Judiciary Committee meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 19, the bill was considered with very little pushback or debate. The only opposition from committee members rose from Rep. London Lamar (D-Memphis-District 33), who was concerned those who have committed criminal offenses as minors would no longer have a “clean slate” upon turning 18. 

Taylor also reiterated that the juvenile records would not be unsealed, but that a judge could look at them for the purposes of setting bail.

After passing the committee with a vote of 6-2 in favor, the bill was recommended for passage and referred to the Senate Calendar Committee.  The only No votes came from the Democrats.

The bill was also scheduled for the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee on 2/19 but the meeting was cancelled, likely due to the inclement winter weather experienced across the state. It has been rescheduled to be heard on 2/26.

Senator Taylor has two other bills surrounding juvenile offenders, both of which are working their way through committees in both chambers.

SB0219, which would hold parents or guardians of juvenile offenders liable for restitution for law enforcement expenses in responding and investigating juvenile delinquency, is awaiting a date before the Senate Judiciary Committee and House Criminal Justice Subcommittee. 

The other bill, SB0237, would require courts to transfer teens to the county sheriff to be held and treated as adults in the applicable criminal court and is awaiting consideration in the same committees as SB0219.

Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.