Tennessee has enacted significant changes to domestic violence law that took effect on January 1, 2026, including the nation’s first public domestic violence offender registry under Savanna’s Law. These changes reflect growing efforts to protect victims and increase accountability for repeat offenders. If you or someone you care about is involved in a domestic violence case in Knoxville or East Tennessee, understanding these new laws is critically important.
What Is Savanna’s Law?
One of the most impactful new laws passed by the Tennessee General Assembly is Savanna’s Law, named after Deputy Savanna Puckett, a Robertson County sheriff’s deputy who was murdered by a repeat domestic violence offender in 2022.
Savanna’s Law creates the first public registry for “persistent domestic violence offenders” in the United States. The registry is maintained by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) and is designed to make information about repeat offenders accessible to the public.
Who Must Register?
Under the new law:
- Individuals convicted of domestic assault who have at least one prior domestic violence conviction must register on the domestic violence offender list.
- This requirement applies only to convictions that occur on or after January 1, 2026.
- Courts order registration, and county clerks transmit qualifying convictions to the TBI to be added to the registry.
What Information Is Public?
The registry includes:
- The offender’s name
- Date of birth
- Conviction dates
- County or counties of conviction
- A photograph of the offender
Personal identifiers like addresses and Social Security numbers are not public.
Fees and Duration
Those required to register must pay a $150 registration fee, which helps fund family violence prevention programs.
Offenders may petition for removal from the registry after designated time periods depending on their conviction history, ranging from one year to ten years or longer.
Why the Registry Matters
Tennessee’s new domestic violence registry represents a major shift in how the state addresses repeat offenders. Advocates believe the registry can:
- Provide a tool for potential victims to identify risky partners
- Support family and friends seeking safety information
- Raise public awareness about the history of violent behavior
Critics raise concerns about limitations and whether the registry alone will sufficiently prevent violence. Nonetheless, the law is now in effect statewide.
How This Affects Domestic Violence Cases in Knoxville & East Tennessee
If you are facing a domestic violence charge or are concerned about an abuser:
📌 1. Repeat Convictions May Lead to Registry Requirement
If convicted of domestic assault again after January 1, 2026, the court may require you to register as a persistent offender.
📌 2. Public Accessibility Is New
The registry will be searchable online, giving communities and individuals access to offender information.
📌 3. Advocacy and Safety Tools Will Expand
This law adds another layer to existing protective measures like protective orders, but it does not replace them.
Understanding Domestic Violence Charges in Tennessee
Domestic violence charges can involve a range of offenses including assault, threats, stalking, and other violent behavior between intimate partners, family members, or household members. Convictions can result in:
- Criminal penalties (jail, fines, probation)
- Protective orders
- Mandatory counseling or treatment
- Employment and housing consequences
- Gun ownership prohibitions
Because the new registry law intersects with criminal convictions, having an experienced Knoxville domestic violence defense attorney can be critical in navigating your case and protecting your rights.
Why Early Legal Representation Matters
Domestic violence accusations can be complicated, and a conviction — especially a second or subsequent conviction — now carries the potential for public registration and long-term consequences under Savanna’s Law. If you’re charged in Knox County or elsewhere in East Tennessee:
- Consult a local attorney immediately
- Understand how new Tennessee law affects your case
- Explore defense strategies to minimize legal and personal impacts
📞 If you or a loved one are facing domestic violence charges in Knoxville, call The Watson Law Firm at 865-259-0948 for a consultation about your legal options.
