Tennessee Domestic Violence Registry Begins Jan. 1, 2026 | Savanna’s Law

Starting January 1, 2026, Tennessee will launch a new domestic violence offender registry under a law known as Savanna’s Law. This new registry is intended to increase public awareness and address repeat domestic violence offenses by making limited information about qualifying offenders publicly accessible.

Because this is a significant change to Tennessee law, it’s important for individuals and families to understand what the registry is, who it applies to, and how it may impact those affected.

What Is Savanna’s Law?

Savanna’s Law requires the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) to create and maintain a public registry of individuals convicted of repeated domestic violence offenses. The law was passed by the Tennessee General Assembly and signed into law in 2025.

The registry is named in honor of Deputy Savanna Puckett, a Robertson County sheriff’s deputy who was killed by a former partner with a documented history of domestic violence. Lawmakers and advocates supported the legislation as a way to increase transparency and help prevent future violence involving repeat offenders.

Who Is Required to Register?

An individual may be required to register if:

• They are convicted of a qualifying domestic violence offense on or after January 1, 2026, and
• They have at least one prior conviction for a domestic abuse–related offense.

While the triggering offense must occur on or after January 1, 2026, prior convictions may still be considered, even if they occurred before the law takes effect. The registry is designed to focus on repeat domestic violence offenders, not first-time convictions.

What Information Will Be Publicly Available?

The registry will include limited identifying information, such as:

• Name
• Date of birth
• County or counties of conviction
• Dates of qualifying convictions
• A photograph, if available

The law does not allow for the publication of sensitive personal information like home addresses or Social Security numbers.

How Long Does Registration Last?

The length of time an individual remains on the registry depends on their conviction history:

• One prior conviction: 5 years
• Two prior convictions: 7 years
• Three prior convictions: 10 years
• Four or more prior convictions: 20 years

Registration periods begin based on the most recent qualifying conviction.

Why This Law Matters

Supporters of Savanna’s Law say the registry is intended to:

• Improve public awareness of repeat domestic violence offenders
• Provide additional tools for victim safety and prevention efforts
• Support domestic violence intervention programs through registration fees

At the same time, it’s important to understand that the registry is not a complete record of all abusive behavior. Domestic violence often goes unreported or unprosecuted, and not every situation results in a qualifying conviction.

What to Know If You’re Impacted

Because placement on the registry depends on prior convictions and future charges, the consequences of a domestic violence case may extend well beyond fines or jail time. A conviction could result in long-term public listing, which may affect employment, housing, and personal reputation.

Anyone facing domestic violence charges, or with a prior conviction, should understand how this new law could apply to them moving forward.

Staying Informed

Savanna’s Law represents a significant shift in how Tennessee addresses repeat domestic violence offenses. As the registry becomes active in 2026, staying informed about your rights and responsibilities under the law is essential.

Our goal in sharing this information is to help the community understand important legal changes and what they may mean, whether you are directly affected or simply want to stay informed.

Need Help or Have Questions?

If you have questions about how this new registry works or how a criminal charge could impact you under Tennessee law, speaking with an experienced criminal defense attorney can help you understand your options. Call 865-351-3135 to speak with an attorney at the Garza Law Firm.