TN SB0300The bill requires individuals convicted of a Class A misdemeanor in Tennessee to complete a cognitive behavioral training course. Offenders must pay for the course and show proof of completion to the court within a specified time frame. This aims to help reduce recidivism by addressing underlying behavioral issues.
TN SB0300 is a senate bill in the Tennessee 114th General Assembly, sponsored by Kerry Roberts (R), currently “Passed” since May 27, 2025.
We track 9,160 Tennessee bills this session, 124 of them sponsored by Kerry Roberts.
Supporters of the bill argue that mandating cognitive behavioral training will provide offenders with valuable skills and insights, ultimately leading to better decision-making and reduced repeat offenses. They believe this approach is a proactive step towards rehabilitation and improving community safety.
Critics contend that the bill places an additional financial burden on misdemeanor offenders who may already be struggling economically. They argue that mandatory courses may not address the root causes of criminal behavior and could lead to further legal complications if individuals fail to complete the requirements.
The bill SB0300 mandates cognitive behavioral training for individuals convicted of Class A misdemeanors, which primarily impacts the mental health and legal sectors. The sponsor, Kerry Roberts, has a background as a Certified Public Accountant and owns a CPA firm, which does not have a direct connection to the mental health or criminal justice fields. His financial interests are primarily in accounting and related services, with no documented involvement in mental health services or training programs that would be affected by this legislation. Therefore, there is no clear pathway for personal financial gain from the bill's enactment.
Unlike federal analysis based on campaign donations, state analysis examines legislators' personal financial interests — their jobs, businesses, and investments.
| Type | Description | Industry | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Occupation | Certified Public Accountant | — | AI-researched |
| Employer | Owner of a CPA firm | — | AI-researched |
| Business Owner | Owner of a CPA firm | — | AI-researched |
| Board Member | Board member of the Tennessee Society of Certified Public Accountants | — | TN Legislature bio |
| Spouse Employer | FRANCIS COMMUNICATIONS, INC. | — | TN Ethics Commission |
| Employer | HISTORIC BEECHES LLC | — | TN Ethics Commission |
| Employer | RESOURCE NETWORK | — | TN Ethics Commission |
| Business Owner | RESOURCE NETWORK PRESIDENT/OWNER from Aug 2010 to current | — | TN Ethics Commission |
| Business Owner | HISTORIC BEECHES LLC MEMBER from Dec 2021 to current | — | TN Ethics Commission |
| Occupation | Public Accounting, NONE - I TEACH CPE | — | TN Ethics Commission |
| Asset | Leadership PAC: TENNESSEE VICTORY PAC | — | TN Ethics Commission |
Items marked "AI-researched" are generated from public sources but have not been independently verified. Verified data is sourced from official legislature websites and disclosure filings.
About This Analysis
This summary was generated using AI from the bill's official text and metadata. Data sourced from LegiScan and the Tennessee General Assembly. Conflict analysis examines the sponsor's personal financial interests for potential overlaps with the bill's subject matter.
What does TN SB0300 do?
The bill requires individuals convicted of a Class A misdemeanor in Tennessee to complete a cognitive behavioral training course. Offenders must pay for the course and show proof of completion to the court within a specified time frame. This aims to help reduce recidivism by addressing underlying behavioral issues.
What is the status of TN SB0300?
TN SB0300 is currently “Passed” in the Tennessee legislature.
Who sponsored TN SB0300?
Kerry Roberts (R) sponsored TN SB0300.
