Senate Bill 846, also known as the "Violent Criminal Court Act," aims to address the rising violent crime rates in the thirtieth judicial district of Tennessee by establishing two additional criminal courts specifically designated as violent criminal courts. The bill highlights the significant increase in homicide and aggravated assault offenses in the district from 2018 to 2024, which has strained the existing criminal court system. The intent of the legislation is to enhance the efficiency of the criminal justice system by expediting case processing, reducing caseloads for prosecutors and public defenders, and ultimately increasing public safety.

The bill includes specific amendments to Tennessee Code Annotated, such as the creation of the new violent criminal courts effective September 1, 2026, with judges appointed by the governor until they can be elected in the August 2028 general election. Additionally, it modifies existing legal language regarding reporting deadlines and committee designations. The presiding judge is also tasked with addressing case backlogs by transferring certain criminal cases to the new courts for resolution. The act is set to take effect upon becoming law, emphasizing the urgent need for improved criminal justice resources in the district.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 38-6-207
Amended with HA1060 -- 04/22/2026: 38-6-207, 16-2-506(30), 16-2-506