Senate Bill 19 amends Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically Section 8-6-112(a), to enhance the authority of the attorney general and reporter regarding investigations and prosecutions of judges, chancellors, judicial elected officials, and district attorneys general. The bill stipulates that the attorney general can initiate a criminal investigation if there is probable cause to believe that an official has violated state criminal law. Additionally, it allows the attorney general to prosecute these officials if the district attorney general faces a potential conflict of interest or if a report of a violation under Section 8-31-103 is received.

The key change in the bill is the deletion of the previous language in subsection (a) and its replacement with new provisions that clarify the conditions under which the attorney general can act. This includes the specific circumstances that may lead to a conflict of interest for the district attorney general, thereby justifying the attorney general's involvement in the prosecution. The bill is set to take effect upon becoming law, emphasizing the importance of maintaining integrity within the judicial system.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 8-6-112(a), 8-6-112