Bill would create registry for those convicted of domestic assault
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Tennessee lawmakers are hoping to change domestic abuse rates in our state through a bill that would list people charged with domestic violence.
According to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), more than 67,000 Tennesseans experienced domestic violence in 2021. On the average day, the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence receives more than 20,000 phone calls on their hotline.
A newly introduced House and Senate bill supports survivors of domestic abuse. As it stands now, the bill would work in partnership with the TBI to create a registry of people convicted of domestic assault.
Lawmakers said they hope it can prevent future assaults.
“I think it will give the victims, the survivors, the peace of mind that maybe that person won’t hurt someone else like they hurt them,” state Sen. Becky Massey (R-Knoxville) said.
The creator of the bill, state Rep. Sabi ‘Doc’ Kumar (R-Springfield), told News 2 the bill was established in honor of a woman who was reportedly shot and killed by her ex-boyfriend inside her home in 2022.
News 2 found that woman to be Savanna Puckett.
A TBI background check revealed the suspect had been charged with domestic assaults in the past.
“She would have probably checked it, and this may not have happened,” Kumar explained. “Her mom feels sincerely that this was preventable.”
A representative with the Jean Crowe Advocacy Center, a domestic abuse treatment center, told News 2 that if this bill were to become law, there is a chance it could educate people about their partner.
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“They don’t know that they can see things like criminal arrests and things like that, and so when they find out about these things or when it happens to them, they are completely surprised that this is something they have done to other people in the past,” said Ashley Cathey, director of client services for the Jean Crowe Advocacy Center.
However, she also said it could allow for false accusations and charges on the victim if their abuser lies.
“There are times when offenders will manipulate the criminal justice system, and the true victim ends up being arrested as the offender in a lot of cases where they were just defending themselves,” Cathey said.
Kumar told News 2 the bill’s proposal comes at a time when mental health is a priority in the legislature.
“Ten years ago, this may not have been of interest to people,” Kumar said. “But now again, because of the mental health epidemic, as well as increasing violence in the society, this may be the time to get this done.”
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The bill passed the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday, March 20. It will go to the finance committee next.
Kumar and Massey said the biggest challenge in passing this bill will be finding the finances to afford it.
If you are a survivor of domestic abuse and need support, you can call the 24-hour Tennessee Domestic Violence helpline at 1-800-356-6767.
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