Senate Bill 2161 and House Bill 2374 propose amendments to Tennessee Code Annotated regarding bail procedures for defendants who fail to appear in court. The bill specifically addresses situations where a bench warrant or capias is issued for a defendant charged with a violent or sexual felony. It mandates that such defendants be added to any available state or federal fugitive lists, including the National Crime Information Center, thereby enhancing tracking and accountability for these individuals.

Additionally, the bill modifies the conditions under which a court may relieve a surety of liability for an undertaking. It stipulates that if a defendant has not been placed on the relevant fugitive lists within ten business days of the issuing agency receiving the bench warrant or capias, the court may relieve the surety of their obligations. These changes aim to streamline the process and ensure that serious offenders are promptly identified and monitored.

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