SB2197Introduced in the Senate
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 40, relative to expungements following a pardon.
Introduced by Jack Johnson, District 27
What does this bill do?
Plain-English breakdown
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Official description
As enacted, permits a court to expunge certain violent offenses for which a person has been pardoned; requires the court to consider, in weighing the best interests of justice and public safety, whether the offense sought to be expunged was violent and any other relevant factors presented by the petitioner and the district attorney general. - Amends TCA Title 40.
Where it stands
Effective date(s) 04/14/2026
May 5, 2026
How did lawmakers vote?
SenateStage: FLOOR VOTE: Motion to Adopt · March 23, 2026
29
Yes
0
No
0
Absent or Not Voting
29 senators recorded in this Senate vote. Colors show vote categories only, not whether a vote was good or bad.
What do people think?
Citizen Voice
How would you vote on this bill?
An unofficial public opinion poll. It does not affect the bill or the official vote.
One response per device. Location is self-reported and not verified. Results are informal and not a scientific survey.
See how each senator voted
| Senator | District | Vote |
|---|---|---|
| Adam Lowe | 1 | Yes |
| Tom Hatcher | 2 | Yes |
| Rusty Crowe | 3 | Yes |
| Robert Harshbarger | 4 | Yes |
| Randy McNally | 5 | Yes |
| Becky Massey | 6 | Yes |
| Richard Briggs | 7 | Yes |
| Jessie Seal | 8 | Yes |
| Steve Southerland | 9 | Yes |
| Todd Gardenhire | 10 | Yes |
Bill history
Filed for introduction
Introduced, Passed on First Consideration
Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Judiciary Committee
Placed on Senate Judiciary Committee calendar for 3/16/2026
Action deferred in Senate Judiciary Committee to 3/17/2026
Placed on Senate Judiciary Committee calendar for 3/17/2026
Recommended for passage, refer to Senate Calendar Committee
Placed on Senate Consent Calendar 2 for 3/23/2026
Passed Senate, Ayes 29, Nays 0
Engrossed; ready for transmission to House
Rcvd. from S., held on H. desk.
Subst. for comp. HB.
Passed H., Ayes 82, Nays 1, PNV 10
Enrolled and ready for signatures
Signed by Senate Speaker
Signed by H. Speaker
Transmitted to Governor for action.
Signed by Governor.
Pub. Ch. 719
Effective date(s) 04/14/2026
Verify the information
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