Image Credit: TN General Assembly
The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
A bill sponsored by Rep. John Gillespie (R-Memphis-District 97) and Sen. Brent Taylor (R-Memphis-District 31) which would permit a judge to factor juvenile records into setting bond for criminal offenses has passed the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee and has been referred to the full House Judiciary Committee providing it is properly amended.
HB0034/SB0221 is one of several pieces of proposed legislation this session relating to juvenile offenders and would allow a judge, without unsealing them, to consider juvenile 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.”
On Wednesday, Feb. 26, the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee heard from Rep. Gillespie as he introduced the bill and two amendments were presented.
The first would create a look-back period of five years, meaning that if an offender’s juvenile record was more than 5 years old, the legislation would not apply. For example, if a 16-year-old who had an offense was now 28 and a judge was setting bail for them, the court would not be allowed to consider the juvenile records.
Amendment number two, presented by Rep. William Lamberth (R-Portland-District 44), would require, “all files and juvenile court records including medical reports, psychological evaluations, and any other document relating to a person must be open to public inspection in their context, subject to disclosure to the public, if the person has committed a homicide on the grounds of a school.”
Both amendments passed via voice vote, with no members being heard to say, “No”. There were no questions for the sponsor from committee members and the vote was taken on the bill as amended. The final count was 7-1, with 1 Present Not Voting (PNV), in favor of recommendation to the full House Judiciary Committee.
The singular “No” vote came from Democrat Gabby Salinas (Memphis-District 96), and Rep. Jason Powell (D-Nashville-District 53) was recorded PNV.
The Senate companion of the bill passed the Senate Judiciary Committee and has been referred to the full Senate for consideration, again presuming the amendments are properly added.
HB0034 has been placed on the calendar for the House Judiciary Committee for 3/5/2025. Contact information for the committee members can be found below.
Rep.andrew.farmer@capitol.tn.gov, rep.elaine.davis@capitol.tn.gov, rep.rebecca.alexander@capitol.tn.gov, rep.fred.atchley@capitol.tn.gov, rep.gino.bulso@capitol.tn.gov, rep.clay.doggett@capitol.tn.gov, rep.rick.eldridge@capitol.tn.gov, rep.johnny.garrett@capitol.tn.gov, rep.torrey.harris@capitol.tn.gov, rep.gloria.johnson@capitol.tn.gov, rep.kelly.keisling@capitol.tn.gov, rep.william.lamberth@capitol.tn.gov, rep.mary.littleton@capitol.tn.gov, rep.jason.powell@capitol.tn.gov, rep.dennis.powers@capitol.tn.gov, rep.lowell.russell@capitol.tn.gov, rep.gabby.salinas@capitol.tn.gov, rep.rick.scarbrough@capitol.tn.gov, rep.tom.stinnett@capitol.tn.gov, rep.chris.todd@capitol.tn.gov, rep.joe.towns@capitol.tn.gov, rep.ron.travis@capitol.tn.gov
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.
