A proposed “3 strikes” crime bill in Tennessee has officially failed after being voted down in a Senate committee. 

The bill aimed to increase penalties for repeat offenders by counting certain serious crimes as “strikes.” Under the proposal, individuals who accumulated three qualifying convictions could have faced significantly longer sentences, including life in prison for repeat violent offenses. 

Supporters said the measure would improve public safety by targeting repeat offenders and keeping violent criminals off the streets. Critics argued it could lead to prison overcrowding and questioned whether harsher sentencing actually reduces crime long term.

Because the bill failed in committee, it will not move forward in the current legislative session.