TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Stacey Shrader Joslin on Dec 21, 2022

A new bill introduced in the state legislature would require the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) to test sexual assault evidence kits within 30 days, the Commercial Appeal reports. The legislation, introduced by Sen. London Lamar, D-Memphis, is the first measure filed to address the backlog in Tennessee. The TBI drew sharp scrutiny earlier this year after the high-profile kidnapping and murder of Eliza Fletcher in Memphis. Lawmakers in both parties have signaled the Fletcher case will lead to new criminal justice legislation during the upcoming 113th Tennessee General Assembly, which convenes Jan. 10, 2023.