TN HB2251

Creates a pilot project for criminal magistrates in the 10 Tennessee counties with the highest criminal court caseloads, as determined by the comptroller's annual weighted caseload study

Eligible counties may establish the position by ordinance; judges with criminal jurisdiction (excluding general sessions judges) appoint the magistrate starting January 1, 2027

Criminal magistrates serve 4-year terms and may conduct arraignments, initial appearances, preliminary hearings, bond settings, indigency determinations, and issue search and arrest warrants

Magistrates may accept guilty pleas and review collateral petitions (including post-conviction relief and sentence modification requests) for misdemeanors and Class D and E felonies only

Compensation is paid from the county general fund, with the amount set by criminal court judges and approved by the county legislative body