NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- A proposal that increases the penalty for domestic assault is headed to the governor for his signature.
The measure, which is part of Gov. Bill Haslam's crime package, was unanimously approved 33-0 by the Senate on Wednesday. The companion bill passed the House 97-1 last week.
The legislation carried by Republican Sen. Doug Overbey of Maryville adds fines and jail time for second and subsequent convictions of domestic assault.
It originally would have cost local jails about $8 million, but the proposal was amended to decrease jail time, as well as add a dollar to the amount the state pays for housing jail inmates. The changes reduced the cost to local jails by about $2 million.
Haslam has appropriated close to $600,000 in his budget for the legislation.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
