Legislation aimed to reduce recidivism was approved by the General Assembly recently. House Bill 371, sponsored by State Rep. Rick Scarbrough, R-Oak Ridge, requires individuals convicted of a Class A misdemeanor to complete a cognitive behavioral training course as part of their sentence, unless a judge determines the course is unnecessary or inappropriate for their situation.
These courses are designed to help people recognize and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that may be affecting their mental health and daily life.
House Bill 371 now heads to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk for his signature and applies to any offenses committed on or after July 1…