Bill to let judges fine parents for children’s crimes headed to Gov. Lee’s desk

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Tennessee parents could soon have to pay for their children’s crimes under a bill that is heading to Gov. Bill Lee‘s desk.

The Parental Accountability Act would give judges the power to fine parents and legal guardians up to $1,000 after their child’s second criminal offense.

“This is about accountability and making sure parents know where their loved ones are. For the most part they do, but they’re turning a blind eye in some cases,” Rep. John Gillespie (R-Memphis), the bill’s sponsor said.

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Gillespie emphasized the fine would not be required; it would be up to the judge’s own discretion. The money would go to law enforcement to help cover the costs of juvenile crime.

The bill comes at a time when the number of juvenile curfew arrests in Metro Nashville increased in every police precinct this year compared to this time last year, according to the most recent crime statistics from Metro police. In addition, truancy arrests are up in all but two precincts compared to last year.

However, some Democratic lawmakers argued the bill would only hurt families, especially ones with single and foster parents, despite Gillespie assuring legislators the Department of Children’s Services said the fine would not apply to foster parents.

“You should know the challenges they’re facing in the community and in the home,” Rep. John Ray Clemmons (D-Nashville) said. “We are not going to solve this problem by criminalizing parents who are doing the best that they can.”

“This is happening only after that child has been found delinquent after more than one occasion, so to say that a parent doesn’t know what’s going on, I find that very difficult to believe,” Rep Gillespie responded.

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Clemmons wasn’t the only one who expressed concerns on the House floor. Rep. Gloria Johnson (D-Knoxville) called the idea of holding legal guardians, like grandparents or great-grandparents, financially responsible for their child’s crimes “outrageous.”

Others chimed in.

“[The bill] doesn’t do a single thing to give more resources to the parent or to the legal guardian. It doesn’t say anything about making sure that the kid who is in juvenile court gets more resources to prevent them from ever coming back,” Rep. Justin Pearson (D-Memphis) said.

Some expressed their support for the bill and said it would encourage parents to step up and be involved in their child’s life.

“Whenever I did something as a child that would’ve gotten my dad in trouble, I promise you he would’ve taken a greater interest in it,” Rep. Rusty Grills (R-Newbern) said. “We just want parents to be parents again, to be in charge of their children, taking responsibility for their children, and I applaud your efforts that you’re bringing forth here to make sure parents are involved with their kids.”

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HB 1930 passed 72 to 24 in the House Monday, receiving similar support in the Senate. It is now heading to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk where he can either sign it or leave it sitting for 10 days in order to make it law. He also has the option to veto the legislation.

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