TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Azya Thornton on Apr 27, 2026

Legislation passed by both the House and Senate would limit the use of community bail funds, potentially affecting access to pretrial release for some defendants, according to MLK50. The legislation, HB1450/SB1708 sponsored by Sen. Brent Taylor, R-Memphis, and Rep. Charlie Baum, R-Murfreesboro, was amended during legislative consideration to cap bail fund contributions at $5,000 per person and prohibit organizations from posting bond for the same individual more than once a year. Supporters say the measure is intended to protect public safety, while advocates argue it would disproportionately impact low-income defendants who rely on bail funds for release. The proposal comes amid reports of rising bond in Shelby County and broader changes to Tennessee’s bail laws in recent years, including allowing hearsay and prohibiting consideration of a defendant’s ability to pay in decisions to set bail.