SB1599

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 39 and Title 40, relative to court costs.

Introduced·1/12/26

SB1599 prohibits Tennessee courts from assessing court costs against defendants found not guilty, when prosecution is dismissed, or charges are.

SB1599 amends Tennessee law to prevent courts from imposing court costs on defendants under specific circumstances. Costs will not be assessed if a defendant is found not guilty by a jury or judge, if the prosecution is dismissed or a nolle prosequi is entered by the state, or if the charges are dismissed by the court. This change aims to protect defendants from financial burdens when they are not convicted or when charges are dropped. The act will take effect on July 1, 2026.

Included in complete analysis

  • Overview
  • Core Provisions
  • Implementation
  • Impact
  • Legal Framework
  • Critical Issues

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Where it stands

Current
Finance, Ways and Means Committee
Next
Committee decision

Sponsors

D
1
0
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

Roll Call Votes

SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE: Recommended for passage with amendment/s, refer to Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee Ayes 5, Nays 3 PNV 0

5 Yea

RDRDR

3 Nay

RRR

Calendar

Apr 20

1:00 PM

Senate Finance, Ways And Means Hearing

Mar 23

12:00 PM

Senate Judiciary Hearing

History

Apr 20

Senate

Placed on Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee calendar for 4/21/2026

Apr 14

Senate

Placed on Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee calendar for 4/20/2026

Apr 14

Senate

Placed on Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee calendar for 4/21/2026