Tennessee Senate passes bill on GPS tracking costs for defendants

The Senate Judiciary Committee convened on April 8, 2025, to discuss several legislative matters, primarily focusing on a bill concerning the provision of legal services for individuals accused of aggravated stalking. The meeting began with a presentation from Sonya Legal Services, which outlined the bill's intent to address the licensing and operational framework for service providers. It was clarified that the bill does not alter the offenses that necessitate these services as a condition of bond, maintaining the current legal standards.

Mike Donovan, Deputy Executive Director of the Tennessee District Attorney General Conference, contributed to the discussion by addressing concerns regarding the financial implications of the bill. He emphasized that the legislation aims to alleviate the financial burden on counties and offenders by allowing for ongoing payments directly from released defendants. Donovan reiterated that if a defendant cannot afford the initial costs associated with GPS monitoring, they would remain incarcerated, underscoring the bill's focus on public safety.

Following the discussions, the committee moved to a vote on the bill. All present senators voted in favor, resulting in a unanimous decision with eight votes in support. The bill was subsequently advanced to the calendar for further consideration.

Chairman Gordon announced a brief recess after the vote, allowing committee members a short break before resuming the session. The meeting highlighted the committee's commitment to refining legal processes while balancing public safety and financial considerations for defendants.