MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WREG) — A bill heading to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk will require parents of children who commit crimes in Tennessee to pay fines up to $1,000 for each subsequent offense after the first one.
The Parental Accountability Act, which was sponsored by Sen. Brent Taylor and Rep. John Gillespie from the Memphis area, was approved in both chambers this week.
Following a juvenile’s initial offense, their parents will be obligated to pay fines for each subsequent crime, as outlined in the bill. If parents are unable to pay the fine, they can work it off through community service.
Shelby County Sheriff Floyd Bonner stated, “If I had to spend the day picking up trash because of something my child did and my friends, loved ones, neighbors saw me, I think I would pay more attention.”
Taylor clarified that the fines are intended to promote greater parental awareness rather than being punitive.
Taylor explained, “Too many juveniles are repeat offenders due to lack of parental supervision. By holding parents accountable, parents are more likely to know what their children are doing and seek the necessary support and oversight for their children.”
Some Democrats oppose the fines as a solution to juvenile crime. Rep. G.A. Hardaway of Memphis compared them to a tax that would disproportionately impact low-income parents, leading to financial hardship for families.
However, there is consensus that Memphis and Shelby County are grappling with the impact of juvenile crime. In 2023, Memphis Police reported to the City Council that they had apprehended over 4,000 juveniles, with more than 500 for motor vehicle theft.
A large gathering of hundreds of young people in Orange Mound resulted in a mass shooting that left two dead and seven others injured over the weekend. Several of the victims were teenagers.
Shelby County Sheriff Floyd Bonner revealed that the county’s juvenile facility is nearing capacity, with 118 juvenile offenders detained, the youngest of whom is 13 years old.
In a social media post, Bonner urged parents to be aware of their children’s whereabouts and the company they keep while away from home, emphasizing that their guidance and involvement can significantly impact their children’s lives.
