TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Azya Thornton on Apr 21, 2025

Legislation that passed the Tennessee Senate and House unanimously last week would require police to report each time they charge someone with driving under the influence and toxicology results later show the person was sober. Under the bill, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation must report to the speakers of the House and Senate all instances in the previous year when someone was charged with DUI but no alcohol or other intoxicants were detected in their blood or breath. Reporting would begin in 2026 and continue through 2029, the Tennessean reports. Cases of sober drivers being charged with DUI have received increased news coverage and public attention in recent years according to the paper. Sen. Raumesh Akbari, D-Memphis, said the bill is intended to help the legislature determine whether “this is actually a real statewide problem.” The bill now goes to the governor for his consideration.