Senate Bill 1614, also known as House Bill 1547, amends the Tennessee Code Annotated to enhance access to criminal justice data for bona fide researchers. The bill establishes a new part within Title 38, Chapter 1, defining "bona fide researcher" and outlining the criteria they must meet to access sensitive criminal justice data. This includes agreeing to use personally identifiable information solely for research purposes, securing approval from an institutional review board, and implementing security controls to protect confidential data. The bill also defines terms such as "criminal justice agency," "criminal justice data," and "record," which are essential for understanding the scope of the legislation.

Under the new provisions, criminal justice agencies are required to share relevant data and records with bona fide researchers, including information related to law enforcement activities, criminal charges, and correctional supervision. The bill allows agencies to charge reasonable fees for the retrieval and copying of data but permits them to waive these fees at their discretion. Additionally, the attorney general is tasked with providing guidance to agencies on compliance with these requirements by January 1, 2027. The act is set to take effect upon becoming law, emphasizing the importance of research in improving criminal justice outcomes while ensuring the protection of sensitive information.