House Bill 2931 amends Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically Section 17-5-303, to introduce new requirements for judges entering into deferred discipline agreements. The bill mandates that judges must sign an affidavit prior to such agreements, which includes their consent to the investigative panel's recommendations, confirmation that the consent is given freely and voluntarily, acknowledgment of any pending misconduct allegations, and a declaration that the facts in the affidavit are true. This affidavit must be filed with the board once approved by the hearing panel.
The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2024, emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability in the judicial conduct process. By instituting these requirements, the bill aims to ensure that judges are fully aware of the implications of their agreements and the nature of any allegations against them.
Statutes affected: Introduced: 17-5-303