Legislation that would fine the parents of delinquent children who commit additional crimes has the support of the Tennessee General Assembly after the State House passed it on Monday. The legislation will go to Governor Bill Lee for final approval before becoming law.
The bill, titled the Parental Accountability Act, will require juvenile courts to levy a $1,000 fine against children who are “found to be delinquent for a second or subsequent delinquent act” after already being found guilty of delinquency. Those unable to pay the fine may be granted community service.
State Senator Brent Taylor (R-Memphis), who first introduced the legislation in the Tennessee Senate alongside other public safety bills, previously explained, “We have too many juveniles out on our streets routinely committing crimes when they should be in school or at home.”
Taylor argued, “This bill will hold parents accountable for the criminal acts of their children and incentivize parents to monitor their children and contact law enforcement if their child is missing or up to no good.”
SB 2571 passed with 24 votes in favor and five against in the State Senate while HB 1930 passed with 72 votes in favor and 24 against in the State House.
Taylor posted to the social media platform X after the House approved the legislation, “Too many juveniles are routine offenders due to lack of parental supervision,” and his legislation means parents will be “more likely to know what their children are doing and more likely to get their children the help and oversight needed.”
The lawmaker then urged his followers to contact Lee’s office to urge the governor to sign the legislation.
“Let’s solve our crime problem and make Memphis a place where families flourish,” wrote Taylor.
I’m grateful my colleagues for passed this legislation as I’ve worked to Make Memphis Matter. Please stand with me by reaching out to Gov. Lee and asking him to sign this legislation. Let’s solve our crime problem and make Memphis a place where families flourish.
— Senator Brent Taylor (@SenBrentTaylor) April 24, 2024
Taylor originally unveiled his legislative efforts to increase public safety in Memphis, which he calls Make Memphis Matter, in February.
“In my hometown, crime is the only issue. It is a serious economic development issue as much as it is a public safety issue,” said Taylor in a letter to colleagues sent at the time. He declared, “Tennessee will not reach her full potential if her most famous city is sliding into chaos.”
The legislation passed as Shelby County Sheriff Floyd Bonner Jr. revealed the county’s Youth Justice and Education Center is “nearing capacity” with 118 juvenile inmates, calling it “disheartening to see.”
Bonner stated, “Parents, we urge you to know where your children are and who they spend time with while away from you. Your guidance and involvement can make a significant difference in their lives.”
An analysis of cities in the United States found Memphis had the highest homicide rate per capita in 2023, and the Memphis Police Department recently estimated the city could see nearly 400 killings by the end of 2024.
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Tom Pappert is the lead reporter for The Tennessee Star, and also reports for The Georgia Star News, The Virginia Star, and The Arizona Sun Times. Follow Tom on X/Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
