Petition to Support Tennessee House Bill 2229 and Senate Bill 2343

Give Rehabilitated Individuals a Meaningful Second Chance

We, the undersigned citizens of Tennessee and supporters of justice reform, urge the Tennessee General Assembly to pass House Bill 2229, sponsored by Representative Vincent Dixie, and Senate Bill 2343, sponsored by Senator London Lamar.

These bills recognize a simple truth: people can change.

Under this legislation, individuals serving life sentences for first-degree murder committed between July 1, 1995, and July 1, 2020, would have a meaningful opportunity to earn parole consideration after serving at least 25 calendar years through demonstrated rehabilitation, education, program completion, positive behavior, and a commitment to personal growth. 

The proposed legislation rewards:

Long-term good conduct and violence-free behavior.

Remaining drug-free.

Completing college degrees and educational programs.

Participating in rehabilitative and family reunification programs.

Demonstrating accountability, responsibility, and transformation. 

Why This Matters

For decades, many incarcerated individuals have worked tirelessly to better themselves. They have earned degrees, mentored others, completed rehabilitation programs, maintained clean disciplinary records, and prepared themselves to become productive members of society.

Yet many remain imprisoned long after they have demonstrated genuine change.

Research consistently shows that individuals released after serving lengthy sentences, particularly those over age 55, have extremely low rates of reoffending. Long-term incarceration of aging prisoners also places a significant financial burden on Tennessee taxpayers through increased medical and housing costs. 

Public Safety and Accountability

This legislation does not automatically release anyone.

Instead, it creates a structured pathway that requires incarcerated individuals to earn consideration through years of positive conduct, educational achievement, and rehabilitation. Those who fail to meet the standards do not qualify.

The bill promotes safer prisons, encourages personal responsibility, strengthens rehabilitation efforts, and supports successful reentry into our communities. 

Fiscal Responsibility

Tennessee taxpayers spend millions each year incarcerating aging individuals who often pose little public safety risk. By creating a pathway for release based on proven rehabilitation, Tennessee can redirect valuable resources toward victim services, crime prevention, education, and community investment. 

We Call on Tennessee Lawmakers to Act

Justice is not only about punishment—it is also about redemption, accountability, and hope.

We respectfully urge Tennessee lawmakers to pass House Bill 2229 and Senate Bill 2343 and create a fair, transparent system that recognizes rehabilitation, rewards positive change, and provides deserving individuals with a meaningful second chance.

Sign this petition today and stand for justice, rehabilitation, fiscal responsibility, and safer communities across Tennessee.

Petition Organizer: Minister Shawn'a E'liana Hatcher, Criminal Justice Reform Advocate, and Lobbyist

In Support of: Families of incarcerated individuals, faith leaders, community advocates, and citizens who believe in accountability, rehabilitation, and second chances.

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