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Press Release

HCSO Hosts Legislative Bill Signing for Truth in Sentencing Bill

06/17/2022

HCSO Hosts Legislative Bill Signing with Tennessee Lieutenant Governor Randy McNally and House Speaker Cameron Sexton

Hamilton County, TN – This morning, Sheriff Jim Hammond and Chief Deputy Austin Garrett were honored to host a formal bill signing ceremony for Public Chapter 988 (Senate Bill 2248) known as the Truth in Sentencing Bill with Tennessee Lieutenant Governor Randy McNally and House Speaker Cameron Sexton.

Passed during the 2022 legislative session, truth in sentencing makes Tennessee a national leader in violent crime prevention by requiring 100 percent sentences for some of the most violent offenses committed. This bipartisan solution builds upon previous legislation enacted in 2021, requiring violent criminals to serve 100 percent of sentences given by a judge or jury for 31 different crimes historically targeting women and children.

Because of these laws, Tennessee now has the toughest penalties in the entire nation against violent criminals.

“This legislation is dedicated to ensuring the safety and protection of our community by requiring convicted, violent criminals to serve 100 percent of their sentences for 31 specific crimes, many of which are historically targeted at women and children. By being required to serve their full sentence, the Truth in Sentencing Bill will help reduce repeat offenders and ultimately reduce crime in Hamilton County,” stated Chief Deputy Austin Garrett.

During today’s ceremony, the HCSO was privileged to be joined by several local county sheriff’s including Meigs County Sheriff Jackie Melton, McMinn County Sheriff Joe Guy, Franklin County Sheriff Time Fuller, and Bradley County Sheriff Steve Lawson as well as members of our Hamilton County State Legislative Delegation. Also present were several of our local law enforcement partners including Cleveland Police Department Assistant Chief Stacy Smith, Bradley County District Attorney Steve Crump, and Hamilton County Sessions Court Judge Gerald Webb.

If you would like to learn more about the Truth in Sentencing Bill (Public Chapter 988), please visit: https://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/112/Bill/SB2248.pdf or https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/BillInfo/Default.aspx?BillNumber=SB2248.



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