Governor signs bill that could keep criminals out of your neighborhood
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JACKSON, Tenn. — Keeping repeat criminal offenders out of your neighborhood is now a possibility under Tennessee state law. Gov. Bill Haslam signed the Neighborhood Protection Act this week to help homeowner associations and watch groups. It would allow residential entities to file a restraining order against offenders who have been convicted of three or more separate offenses within their community. The legislation says the offender is prohibited from entering the boundaries of the residential area if they have been convicted of three or more separate offenses of theft, burglary, rape or criminal homicide. “At least three of the offenses had to have taken place in that neighborhood or within the boundaries that are designated for that neighborhood association,” associate attorney Kortney Simmons said. Vice president of Lambuth Area Neighborhood Association Jenci Spradlin said LANA will take advantage of the law if necessary. “What we want to tell people that think they can come into our neighborhood is three strikes, you’re out — we’re coming after you,” Spradlin said. Simmons said on paper the bill sounds like a great idea but that the groundwork and expenses to enforce it may be difficult. “One, hire an attorney to file it. Secondly, they’re going to have to pay the court costs, the filing fee as well as the service fee, and then they’re also going to have to find these individuals,” Simmons said. Simmons said another downside is it could affect people who live there. “Which would not necessarily be in someone’s best interest because now they’re going to be kicked out of their own neighborhood where they’ve paid possibly hundreds of thousands of dollars for a house,” she said. Any restraining order will remain in effect for one year unless modified by the court that granted it and may be renewed. The legislation takes effect July 1.
