TN HB2504

Creates a new "repeat violent offender" sentencing category requiring life imprisonment for defendants who accumulate 3 or more strikes from violent offense convictions, with at least 2 strikes from the most serious offense category

Establishes a tiered strike system: 1 strike for serious violent offenses (murder, rape, kidnapping, human trafficking, etc.), 1/2 strike for offenses like aggravated assault with deadly weapon or voluntary manslaughter, and 1/4 strike for other felonies

Allows strike reduction of 1/2 strike for each 3-year period without criminal convictions, applicable only to strikes from the lower two offense tiers

Applies only to offenses committed on or after July 1, 2026, and includes equivalent convictions from other states or jurisdictions

Requires the court to find beyond a reasonable doubt that a defendant qualifies as a repeat violent offender before imposing the life sentence, with findings appealable by either party