Gov. Lee, TN Legislative Leadership Announce Additional Step to Support TBI and Accelerate Testing
Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, Lieutenant Governor Randy McNally and Speaker Cameron Sexton announced a decisive step to accelerate the hiring process for 25 additional forensic lab positions at the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI).
Taking this action ahead of the regular budget process will expedite the TBI’s efforts to expand testing capacity and reduce the turnaround time for sexual assault kits (SAKs).
“I am glad we are able to quickly provide additional resources to address the TBI backlog of sexual assault kits. It is critical our criminal justice system can swiftly remove rapists from the streets to protect victims and ensure these despicable criminals cannot further terrorize the community,” said Sen. Bo Watson (R - Hixson). “The move today is a step in the right direction. I appreciate the work of Governor Lee, Lt. Gov. McNally and the TBI to eliminate this backlog and streamline the process. The Finance Committee has always been committed to working with the TBI to ensure they have the resources necessary to meet their goals.”