TN HB1089

Requires mandatory mental health evaluations for defendants convicted of domestic assault, child abuse, aggravated child abuse, cruelty to animals, or aggravated cruelty to animals prior to sentencing

Evaluations must be conducted on an outpatient basis by community mental health centers or qualified mental health professionals designated by the commissioner

Courts may incorporate recommended mental health services into sentencing based on evaluation reports

Defendants must pay for evaluation and treatment costs; the department covers costs for indigent defendants

Takes effect January 1, 2026, and applies to offenses committed on or after that date