Senate Bill 1982 amends Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically Section 40-35-303(a), to introduce a new provision regarding probation eligibility for individuals convicted of aggravated assault. The bill establishes a rebuttable presumption that defendants convicted of aggravated assault under 39-13-102 are not favorable candidates for probation if their offense involved the use or display of a firearm during its commission. This change aims to address concerns about the severity of such offenses and the appropriateness of granting probation in these cases.

The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, and will apply to offenses committed on or after that date. This timeline allows for a transition period before the new probation eligibility criteria are enforced, reflecting the legislative intent to enhance public safety by scrutinizing the circumstances under which probation may be granted for serious offenses involving firearms.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 40-35-303(a), 40-35-303