Senate Committee Advances Savannah's Law for Domestic Violence Offender Registry

The Senate Judiciary Committee convened on April 1, 2025, to discuss several legislative items, including significant measures aimed at addressing domestic violence in Tennessee. The meeting began with a procedural update on Senate Bill 175, where Senator Massey proposed an amendment in collaboration with the Board of Parole. The committee agreed to roll the bill to a future calendar for further consideration.

The primary focus of the meeting shifted to Senate Bill 324, also known as Savannah's Law, which aims to establish a persistent domestic violence offender registry. Senator Massey explained that the bill would require the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) to maintain a registry for individuals convicted of domestic violence offenses, particularly those with multiple convictions. The registry would be accessible online, providing crucial information to potential victims. A registration fee would be implemented to support violence prevention initiatives.

Following the introduction of the bill, two witnesses provided emotional testimony. Kimberly Dodson, mother of Deputy Savannah Puckett, who was murdered in 2022, shared her heartbreaking story, emphasizing the need for a domestic violence registry. She highlighted that her daughter's murderer had multiple domestic violence charges prior to their relationship, which could have been known had such a registry existed. Dodson urged the committee to consider the potential lives that could be saved through the implementation of Savannah's Law.

Britney Mullenix, another witness, recounted her experience with psychological abuse, illustrating the pervasive nature of domestic violence and its impact on victims. Her testimony underscored the importance of awareness and preventive measures in combating domestic violence.

The committee members engaged with the witnesses, with Senator Roberts expressing gratitude for their courage in sharing their stories. The discussion also touched on the limitations of current information access regarding domestic violence offenders, as highlighted by Dodson's experience in seeking information about her daughter's murderer.

After the testimonies, the committee voted in favor of the amendment to Senate Bill 324, moving it forward in the legislative process. The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue addressing the critical issue of domestic violence in Tennessee, with further discussions and actions anticipated in upcoming sessions.