25-03-2025
Named for slain Tennessee deputy, bill would create domestic violence offender registry
Three years after Robertson County Sheriff's Deputy Savanna Puckett was found shot to death inside her burning home, a new law that seeks to track repeat domestic violence offenders is making its way through the Tennessee legislature and it's been named in her honor.
Tennessee State Representative Sabi 'Doc' Kumar of Robertson County introduced House Bill 1200, known as Savanna's Law, to strengthen domestic violence protections statewide.
More: TBI: Robertson Co. deputy found shot, dead inside burning home; man arrested
More: Family mourns slain Middle Tennessee deputy: 'A brilliant light in our dark world'
If passed, the law would create a registry at the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation for people convicted of a second and subsequent domestic violence offense and make offender information, such as names, dates of birth, conviction dates, counties of conviction and current photographs, publicly available online, the Tennessee House Republican Caucus recently announced.
Sensitive information like addresses and Social Security numbers would not be shown.
"Savanna's Law provides a critical step toward protecting future victims and holding repeat domestic violence offenders accountable,' Kumar said in prepared statements. 'The registry will give communities the tools they need to stay informed and safe."
More: What we know about the death of Robertson County deputy Savanna Puckett
More: Affidavit: Empty lighter fluid bottles found in home of slain Robertson County deputy
Puckett, 22, died on Jan. 23, 2022.
Authorities learned of her death after she failed to show up for work. Another deputy went to check on her around 5 p.m. and found her home on the 5100 block of Highway 41 engulfed in flames.
Once on scene, a firefighter found her body on the bedroom floor of her Springfield home under a blanket. The four-year department veteran died from multiple gunshots to most of her body.
More: Audio: Days before her death, Robertson deputy said ex showed up to house uninvited
More: Autopsy reveals new details in brutal slaying of Robertson County deputy Savanna Puckett
According to a nine-page autopsy report authored by Assistant Medical Examiner David Zimmerman, Puckett was shot eight times; once in the head, right arm, right breast, left breast, left forearm and left hand and three times in the back.
Her death was ruled a homicide.
James Jackson Conn, an ex-boyfriend of Puckett's, was arrested in connection with her death after an hours-long standoff that stemmed from the execution of a search warrant at his Odom Court home in Smyrna.
Conn was charged with first-degree murder and aggravated arson. He pleaded guilty to first-degree premeditated murder and is serving a life sentence.
More: Tennessee to seek death penalty for man accused of killing Robertson County deputy
Throughout the course of their investigation into Puckett's death, authorities discovered Conn had prior offenses for domestic assault, officials said at the time.
Should Savanna's law become state law, court clerks would be required to send certified copies of any offender convictions that meet the criteria for the new registry to the bureau within seven days.
The bill outlines a $150 registration fee partially retained by the court clerk and TBI. Clerks would retain $50 for administrative costs, while TBI would retain the remaining $100 to maintain the registry.
If passed, the law would not take effect until Jan. 1, 2026.
Katie Nixon can be reached at knixon@
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessee 'Savanna's Law' honors slain deputy, seeks new offender list
