Tennessee Bill That Could Put Illegal Aliens Who Commit Violent Crimes Behind Bars For Life Progresses In Senate

Image Credit: capitol.tn.gov

The Tennessee Conservative [By Rebecca Scott] –

Senate Bill 2770 (SB2770) sponsored by Senator Janice Bowling (R-Tullahoma-District 16), which addresses criminal offenses committed by illegal aliens in the state of Tennessee, has been recommended for passage with amendment by the Senate Judiciary Committee.

7 Ayes and 1 Nay were recorded.

SB2770 “as introduced, authorizes the enhancement of criminal penalties up to life in prison without parole upon conviction of violent crimes by illegal aliens; conviction of possession of a firearm or deadly weapon by an illegal alien; or conviction of a violent crime on the property of a school by any person. – Amends TCA Title 16; Title 33; Title 39; Title 40 and Title 49.”

As would be expected, it is noted that this “proposed legislation may result in an increase in incarceration expenditures for the state.”

The proposed law aims to deter those who would come across the southern United States border from making their way to Tennessee to engage in drug or human trafficking. By stiffening the penalty for violent crimes linked to these activities, the sponsors hope to make the state a less sought out location for illegal aliens with criminal intent.

The next step will be for SB2770 to be considered by the Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee. It has not yet been placed on that calendar.

It’s companion bill, House Bill 1872 (HB1872), sponsored by Representative Monty Fritts (R-Kingston-District 32), also continues to make progress and is scheduled to be heard by the House’s Finance, Ways, and Means Subcommittee on Wednesday, March 27.

Rebecca Scott is a Tennessee resident and reporter for The Tennessee Conservative. 

You can reach Rebecca at Rebecca@tennesseeconservativenews.com