TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Julia Wilburn on Apr 16, 2024

The Tennessee State Legislature on Monday unanimously passed a bill that would involuntarily commit certain criminal defendants for inpatient treatment and temporarily remove their gun rights if they are ruled incompetent to stand trial due to intellectual disability or mental illness. Named for Belmont University student Jillian Ludwig, who was killed in November after she was hit by a stray bullet while walking near campus in Nashville, "Jillian's Law" requirements would kick in for defendants charged with felonies or class A misdemeanors. The Associated Press reports that the person would remain committed until they are deemed competent to stand trial, or until the court approves a mandatory outpatient treatment plan that accounts for the community’s safety. The bill now heads to Gov. Bill Lee.