Savannah’s Law in Tennessee: What the New Domestic Violence Offender Registry Means Starting January 1, 2026
Request a ConsultationBeginning January 1, 2026, Tennessee will implement Savannah’s Law, a major change to how repeat domestic violence offenses are tracked and disclosed to the public. This law creates a new public registry for certain domestic violence offenders.
If you have a prior domestic violence conviction—or are facing new charges—it is important to understand how this law works and who it applies to. This can cause you long-term consequences.
What Is Savannah’s Law?
Savannah’s Law requires the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) to create and maintain a public registry of individuals classified as persistent domestic violence offenders.
This is the first time Tennessee has adopted a registry system specifically for domestic violence offenses. While it is sometimes compared to the sex offender registry, the scope of information released is more limited and the registration periods are shorter.
Who Must Register as a Persistent Domestic Violence Offender?
A person is required to register only if both of the following are true:
- They are convicted of a qualifying offense committed against a domestic abuse victim, and
- They have at least one prior conviction for an offense committed against a domestic abuse victim.
The conviction that triggers registration must be for an offense committed on or after January 1, 2026. However, prior convictions may have occurred at any time, including years earlier.
This means an old domestic violence conviction can still be used to place someone on the registry if there is a new qualifying conviction after the law takes effect.
What Information Will Be Publicly Available?
The registry will be searchable online through the TBI. The law limits what information may be released to the public.
| Publicly Disclosed | Not Publicly Disclosed |
|---|---|
| Name | Home address |
| Date of birth | Social Security number |
| Date of conviction | Driver’s license number |
| County or counties of conviction | Other state or federal ID numbers |
| Current photograph |
How Does Registration Happen?
After a qualifying conviction, the court clerk must forward a certified copy of the judgment and the defendant’s date of birth to the TBI within seven days.
Registration is mandatory. Failure to comply with registry requirements can result in additional legal consequences.
Is There a Registration Fee?
Yes. In addition to any other punishment imposed by the court, a person required to register must pay a $150 registration fee.
| Amount | Where It Goes |
|---|---|
| $50 | Retained by the court clerk for administrative costs |
| $100 | Office of Criminal Justice Programs to fund family violence prevention and intervention services |
How Long Does Someone Stay on the Registry?
Removal from the registry depends on the number of prior domestic violence convictions and is calculated from the date of the most recent conviction.
| Number of Prior Convictions | Time on Registry |
|---|---|
| One prior conviction | 5 years |
| Two prior convictions | 7 years |
| Three prior convictions | 10 years |
| Four or more prior convictions | 20 years |
Why Savannah’s Law Matters If You Are Facing Charges Now
Although the registry does not begin until 2026, charges and convictions today can still affect future exposure under Savannah’s Law. A conviction now may later be used as the prior offense that triggers registration.
In many cases, avoiding a qualifying conviction—or negotiating a charge that does not trigger registration—can make a life-altering difference.
If you are facing a domestic violence charge, have a prior conviction, or are unsure how Savannah’s Law could affect you, it is important to get clear legal advice early.
I help clients understand not just the charge in front of them, but the long-term consequences that may follow. Contact my office to schedule a confidential consultation.
