Tennessee creates public registry for domestic violence repeat offenders

New law honoring slain deputy takes effect in 2026

NASHVILLE – Tennessee will launch a public registry tracking repeat domestic violence offenders next year under legislation signed by Gov. Bill Lee.

Savanna's Law, taking effect Jan. 1, 2026, requires people convicted of domestic assault to register with the state if their victim agrees to the listing. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation will maintain the database.

The registry will display offenders' names, birth dates, conviction dates, counties where they were convicted and photographs. Personal details like home addresses and Social Security numbers will remain private.

Offenders must pay a $150 registration fee. The money will fund court operations and grants for family violence prevention programs.

The legislation bears the name of Deputy Savanna Puckett, who was killed in her Springfield home in 2022. Her ex-boyfriend, who had previous domestic assault convictions, was charged in her murder.

Lawmakers designed the registry to warn potential victims and increase accountability for domestic violence crimes. Tennessee joins several other states that maintain similar public databases of domestic violence offenders.

The law represents the latest effort by state officials to combat domestic violence, which affects thousands of Tennessee families each year. Advocates hope the public registry will help break cycles of abuse by making offenders' histories more transparent.