Judicial Commissioner Association of Tennessee

Update on HB1719/SB2565, which was referenced in bail training at the April Conference.  The Update revises the considerations to be made when setting monetary bail under T.C.A. 40-11-118(b)(2) to require consideration of “[t]he defendant’s employment status and history and financial condition; provided, that, the defendant’s ability to pay shall not be considered.” The bill passed in the Senate on 4/9 and passed in the House on 4/16. The Governor signed the legislation (now Public Chapter 869) on May 1, and the law became effective upon signing.