NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A significant legislative change has taken effect in Tennessee, mandating the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) to document the number of sober individuals arrested for driving under the influence (DUI). This law also requires the identification of the police agencies involved in these arrests.

Details of the New Law

Senate Bill 1166, signed into law by Governor Bill Lee, addresses concerns over the accuracy of DUI arrests. It was sponsored by Senator Raumesh Akbari (D-Memphis), who emphasized the bill’s origin from a comprehensive investigation conducted by WSMV’s Jeremy Finley.

Background of the Investigation

The investigation, dubbed “Sobering Problem,” revealed troubling statistics: from 2017 to 2023, over 600 individuals were arrested for DUI in Tennessee despite being sober at the time of arrest. Akbari explained, “What we really want to do is find out what’s going on. Like, is this a widespread issue? Is it limited to certain regions?”

Challenges with Current Data

Despite the findings, limitations in data collection have hindered a comprehensive understanding of the issue. The TBI maintains that data not previously collected cannot be released, which has left out several potential cases, including that of LaBreesha Batey, who was arrested in 2024 while sober. Batey has been advocating for legislative action to address these concerns.

Implementation Timeline

The TBI is set to begin releasing data regarding sober DUI arrests and the respective police agencies starting in 2025. However, current data indicates that these arrests are occurring statewide, though specifics regarding locations and agencies are yet to be comprehensively compiled.