Senate Bill 2161 amends Tennessee Code Annotated regarding the handling of defendants who fail to appear in court for violent or sexual felony charges. The bill stipulates that if a court issues a bench warrant or capias for such a failure to appear, the defendant must be added to any relevant state or federal fugitive lists, including the National Crime Information Center. This change aims to enhance the tracking of individuals who evade legal proceedings for serious offenses.

Additionally, the bill modifies the conditions under which a court may relieve a surety of liability for an undertaking. It specifies that a surety can be relieved of their obligations if the defendant has not been placed on the appropriate fugitive list within ten business days of the agency receiving the bench warrant or capias. These amendments are intended to streamline the process and ensure accountability for defendants who do not comply with court appearances. The act will take effect upon becoming law.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 40-11-139(d)(1), 40-11-139, 40-11-139(d)(3)