TN SB2025

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 create criminal magistrate positions by ordinance beginning January 1, 2027, with appointments made by criminal court judges (excluding general sessions judges) for 4-year terms

Criminal magistrates would conduct arraignments, initial appearance hearings, preliminary hearings, set bonds, determine indigency status, and issue search and arrest warrants

Magistrates may accept guilty pleas and review collateral petitions (post-conviction relief, sentence modifications, writs of error coram nobis) for misdemeanors and Class D and E felonies only

Compensation paid from county general funds, with salary determined by majority of elected criminal court judges subject to county legislative body approval