Just how bad is life in Tennessee’s prisons? Plus the local news for July 15, 2024.
Tennessee prisons install high-tech scanners to try to deter contraband
Starting in 2023, high-tech screenings will be the new standard at Tennessee’s state prisons, as officials fight to control a wave of deadly drugs being snuck inside the gates.
Nashville jails stopped in-person visits during the pandemic. It’s unclear if they’ll ever come back.
In-person visitation was restored in Tennessee’s state prisons. But Nashville families are relying on video calls.
Slavery is still allowed as a punishment for crime in Tennessee’s constitution. Amendment 3 seeks to change that.
Update: Amendment 3 was passed by Tennessee voters, so the language of the state’s constitution will be updated accordingly. Find all of WPLN’s live Election Day coverage here. The inspiration for Amendment 3 came about a decade ago, behind the bars and barbed wire of Riverbend Maximum Security Prison.
Governor Lee allows ‘truth in sentencing’ bill to become law, but says he favors re-entry programs
Lee and legislative leaders have had differences over what the long-term effect will be.
Tennessee lawmakers pass ‘truth in sentencing’ bill, following months of heated debate
The debate about a controversial criminal sentencing measure is over. After months of back and forth, Tennessee lawmakers voted to pass a bill last week that would require many people to spend much longer in prison.
Hundreds of Tennesseans who received lengthy prison sentences for selling drugs near schools could go home early
Decades ago, Tennessee created drug-free school zone laws to deter people from selling drugs in places where children are likely to be. But now, the state is making adjustments for cases that don’t involve kids.
Former Tennessee prisons director says ‘truth in sentencing’ bill could balloon prison population and make communities less safe
WPLN criminal justice reporter Samantha Max sat down with This is Nashville host Khalil Ekulona to unpack the so-called “truth in sentencing” bill.
Lawsuit: Tennessee private prison should improve conditions or be shut down
The family of a man who was killed in a Tennessee prison last year has sued the private, Brentwood-based company that runs it.
Tennessee lawmakers could make big changes to criminal sentences in 2022
Some want to make it easier for people to get out of prison. Others want to make it harder.
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