Senate Bill 19 amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 8-6-112(a), to clarify the authority of the attorney general and reporter in conducting investigations and initiating criminal prosecutions against judges, chancellors, judicial elected officials, or district attorneys general. The bill specifies that the attorney general can proceed with an investigation if there is probable cause to believe that an official has violated state criminal law. Additionally, it outlines two conditions under which the attorney general may take action: if the district attorney general faces a potential conflict of interest in prosecuting the case, or if a report of a violation of a specific statute (8-31-103) is received.

The revised language replaces the previous subsection entirely, emphasizing the attorney general's role in ensuring accountability among judicial officials while addressing potential conflicts of interest that may arise for local district attorneys. The bill is set to take effect upon becoming law, prioritizing public welfare.

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