Tennessee legislators have passed a new “blended sentencing” bill, awaiting Gov. Bill Lee’s signature, aimed at addressing lenient penalties for severe juvenile offenders. The bill introduces a system where the most serious juvenile offenders may face adult punishments after aging out of the juvenile system.
Presently, the juvenile justice system loses jurisdiction over offenders upon reaching their 19th birthday. The blended sentencing bill allows for a maximum of three to five additional years in adult prison for serious offenders who meet specific negative criteria after aging out.
House Speaker Cameron Sexton, the bill’s sponsor, highlighted the loophole where offenders aged 17 or 18, if not prosecuted as adults for violent crimes, have their records expunged by the time they turn 19, effectively receiving a pardon.
Under the new bill, juvenile suspects aged 16 or older found responsible for adult-class felonies can face a blended sentence post-18th birthday, including adult punishments like probation or prison time. However, no blended sentence can extend beyond the offender’s 25th birthday.
The bill sets stringent guidelines for serious offenses, requiring offenders to demonstrate a commitment to rehabilitation to avoid adult prison time. Offenders must fulfill specific conditions, such as graduating high school, obtaining employment, and refraining from further criminal activity.
The legislation comes amid concerns over rising juvenile crime rates, particularly concerning violent offenses like carjackings and homicides. Notable incidents, such as a fatal shootout involving teenage suspects and a livestreamed shooting rampage, have underscored the urgency for tougher measures.
Critics suggest potential constitutional challenges, but proponents argue that extensive consultations with various stakeholders, including law enforcement and judicial experts, were conducted before passing the bill.
Additionally, Tennessee legislators are considering further measures, such as the Juvenile Prohibitor Bill, aiming to restrict violent juvenile offenders’ access to firearms until they reach a certain age. Moreover, voters will have the opportunity in 2026 to decide on a bail reform amendment expanding the list of charges justifying detention without bond.
