State Information Wiki

While we strive to be as accurate and complete as possible, our researchers are not attorneys, and state laws are often full of nuances and gaps. Legal challenges in some states have resulted in different registration requirements based on the year of conviction or first registration. Users must accept all risks associated with actions taken based on this information. Please help us improve by reporting any errors or omissions via our form at https://narsol.org/wiki-response/

Instructions for Accessing Tennessee’s Statutes:

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Return to this Wiki page; you will be able to go directly to the desired statute(s) by clicking on them or by copying and pasting the statute code in the search window.
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Tennessee Laws Regarding Registration

Who must register?

Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-39-202 #s 19, 20, 28, 29, 30

What information must registrants provide?

TENN. CODE ANN. § 40-39-203 i
Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-39-203 i

How frequently must they register? And for how long?

Sexual offenders annually; violent offenders quarterly
Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-39-204
Duration: Sex offenders may petition for termination of the registration obligation no sooner than 10 years since their release from incarceration. Life for persons: With 1 or more prior sex offense convictions or who have been convicted of a violent sexual offense.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-39-207

Does the state categorize registrants by levels/tiers?

Two levels: “violent” or “non-violent.” Nearly all are classified as “violent.”

Does the state use risk assessment when assigning tiers or levels to registrants?

No.

Do any registrants remain privately registered? If so, who?

Yes, juvenile offenders 40-39-206 (d) and (e)
Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-39-206

Is there a registration fee?

Yes, there are two fees:
$150 Annually
Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-39-201

$50 Community Notification Act Fee
Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-39-217

Are there special restrictions for registrants even after supervision?

39-13-530. Forfeiture of any conveyance or real or personal property used in a sexual offense committed against minors – Child abuse fund
Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-13-530
40-39-211. Residential and work restrictions.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-39-211

Is there a process for removal from the registry? If so, who qualifies and what is the process?

Yes
Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-39-207

What is the registration requirement for someone with a sexual offense who is visiting the state?

Appears to be within 48 hours.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-39-203 (c)

What is the registration requirement for someone with a sexual offense who will be moving to the state to live or to attend school?

Must register within 48 hours.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-39-203 (c)

State Laws Regarding Sexual Offenses and Offenders, other than registration

What sexual offenses can people be convicted of, and what are the ranges of sentences?

Does the state have lifetime supervision?

Yes, for certain sexual offenses; T.C.A. 39-13-524
Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-13-524

Does the state have indeterminate sentencing?

Does not appear to have.

What are the state civil commitment laws?

None.

What is the age of consent?

Age is 18
Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-13-506

Are there “Romeo and Juliet” laws or other laws specific to young people?

Yes
Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-13-506

Info for State Advocates

Are felons allowed to vote? If so, when is this right restored?

The Tennessee Constitution denies the right to vote persons convicted of an infamous crime (Tenn. Const. Art. 1, § 5). Any felony is considered an “infamous crime” and disqualifies a person from exercising the right of suffrage (T.C.A. § 40-20-112). Those convicted of infamous crimes may petition for restoration upon completion of the sentence or be pardoned by the governor (T.C.A. § 40-29-101, § 2-19-143). Proof of restoration is needed in order to register to vote (T.C.A. § 2-2-139).

Restoration of voting rights Tennessee secretary of state home page
https://sos.tn.gov/products/elections/restoration-voting-rights

Best keywords are:

Sexual crime; sex offender; sex offender registry

How to sign up for notifications of bill movement:

https://apps.tn.gov/tntrack/
https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/mybills/Login.aspx

Most important legislative committees for our issues are:

Senate Judiciary:
http://www.capitol.tn.gov/senate/committees/judiciary.html
House Civil Justice:
https://www.capitol.tn.gov/House/committees/civiljustice.aspx
House Criminal Justice:
https://www.capitol.tn.gov/House/committees/criminaljustice.aspx

Contact info for state legislators can be found at:

Senate:
http://www.capitol.tn.gov/senate/members/
House:
http://www.capitol.tn.gov/house/members/
Find my legislator:
http://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/Apps/fmlv3/districts.aspx

Other Useful State Information

Contact information for state registry office

address, phone, email form, and live chat available
https://www.tn.gov/tbi/general-information/tennessee-sex-offender-registry.html

NARSOL state affiliate website or blog:

Response Needed

Other helpful state advocacy groups:

https://www.tnprisonministry.org/
http://www.beacontn.org/
http://www.aclu-tn.org/

Other registrant-friendly state support groups:

Response needed.

Other helpful information

http://www.sexoffenderresource.com/tennessee/

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