Committee approves pilot to expand drug court recovery program in Northeast Tennessee

Representative Hicks introduced House Bill 1471 as amended, saying the amendment "creates a pilot program in Northeast Tennessee to expand access to drug court treatment or recovery court," emphasizing judicial discretion and exclusion of violent offenders. "This is a temporary pilot through 2028 so we can measure results before expanding anything statewide," Hicks said, framing the change as a tested approach to reduce recidivism while protecting public safety.

Representative Lambert said he was a "big fan" of the policy before it was narrowed to a pilot and urged consideration of broader eligibility and expansion if funding allows. Hicks and other members said the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse and fiscal reviewers had submitted differing cost estimates; that uncertainty motivated the phased pilot approach.

Members discussed whether additional counties could be added and whether the state fiscal note would change. The committee voted to send HB 1471 as amended to Calendar and Rules (vote recorded as 17 I, 0 no, 1 present not voting).

Supporters said the pilot balances treatment opportunities for non-violent individuals with safeguards for public safety; critics on the floor asked for clearer funding plans before wider adoption. HB 1471 will be considered on the calendar with the adopted amendment and a fiscal review expected prior to any expansion.