Senate Bill 1599, also known as House Bill 1721, amends Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically Section 40-25-123, by adding a new subsection that prohibits courts from assessing court costs against a defendant under certain conditions. These conditions include instances where the defendant is found not guilty by a jury or judge, when the prosecution is dismissed or a nolle prosequi is entered, or when the charges are dismissed by the court.

The bill aims to alleviate the financial burden on defendants who are not convicted or whose cases are dismissed, thereby promoting fairness in the judicial process. The new provisions will take effect on July 1, 2026, ensuring that defendants in Tennessee are not penalized with court costs in these specified situations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 40-25-123