TN HB0314This bill increases the maximum compensation that victims of crimes can receive under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Act. The new limit will be set at 105% of the average maximum compensation awarded across all states and territories in the U.S., rounded to the nearest $100. Additionally, starting July 1, 2025, the state treasurer will publish this maximum compensation amount online for public access.
Supporters of the bill argue that it ensures victims of crime receive fair and adequate compensation for their suffering. By linking the compensation amount to national averages, it aims to provide a more equitable system for those affected by criminal acts.
Critics may contend that simply adjusting compensation based on national averages does not address the unique needs of crime victims in Tennessee. They might argue that the bill could lead to inadequate support for victims who require more substantial assistance and that it lacks provisions for addressing the root causes of crime.
The analysis of HB0314, which aims to amend the Criminal Injuries Compensation Act of 1976, reveals no significant conflicts of interest with the sponsor, Mary Littleton's personal financial interests. The bill focuses on adjusting the compensation limits for victims of criminal injuries, a policy area that does not intersect with the sponsor's documented financial interests. Mary Littleton's primary occupation is as a legislator, and she owns Littleton Ranch. There is no indication that the ranch or any related business activities would benefit from changes in criminal injuries compensation. The bill's focus on tort reform and insurance does not appear to have any direct or indirect impact on agricultural or ranching operations, which are the primary business interests of the sponsor.
Unlike federal analysis based on campaign donations, state analysis examines legislators' personal financial interests — their jobs, businesses, and investments.
| Type | Description | Industry | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Occupation | Legislator | — | TN Legislature bio |
| Employer | Tennessee House of Representatives | — | AI-researched |
| Business Owner | Owner of Littleton Ranch | — | AI-researched |
| Spouse Employer | Owner of Littleton Ranch | — | AI-researched |
| Asset | RAYMOND JAMES | — | TN Ethics Commission |
| Asset | PRINCIPAL | — | TN Ethics Commission |
| Asset | TRADITIONS FIRST BANK | — | TN Ethics Commission |
Items marked "AI-researched" are generated from public sources but have not been independently verified. Verified data is sourced from official legislature websites and disclosure filings.
About This Analysis
This summary was generated using AI from the bill's official text and metadata. Data sourced from LegiScan and the Tennessee General Assembly. Conflict analysis examines the sponsor's personal financial interests for potential overlaps with the bill's subject matter.
