Senate Bill 2388, also known as House Bill 2369, amends various sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated related to criminal justice. Notably, it introduces a new requirement that municipalities or municipal law enforcement agencies must pay for autopsy costs unless the state covers these expenses. This provision is added to both Section 38-7-106 and Section 38-7-109. Additionally, the bill increases certain fees from ten dollars ($10.00) to fifteen dollars ($15.00) in Sections 40-35-303(i)(1) and 40-35-313(a)(1)(A).

Furthermore, the bill modifies Section 39-16-201 by changing the classification of a specific violation from a lesser offense to a Class E felony. This change aims to strengthen the legal consequences associated with the violation. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, ensuring that the public welfare is prioritized in its implementation.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 38-7-106, 38-7-109, 40-35-303(i)(1), 40-35-303, 40-35-313(a)(1)(A), 40-35-313, 39-16-201