NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – A bill which would require domestic violence abusers to wear GPS monitors is headed to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk.
“The Debbie and Marie Domestic Violence Protection Act” is named after Debbie Sisco and her daughter, Marie Varsos.
Both were killed by Varsos’ estranged husband outside Sisco’s home in Lebanon in 2021.
SB 1972/HB 2692, sponsored by Sen. Paul Rose and Rep. Clay Doggett, requires domestic violence offenders or stalkers to wear a GPS monitoring device, unless a court determines the offender is no longer a threat to the victim or the public. If the offender is required to wear the GPS monitor, the victim would have access to an app that would notify them if the perpetrator is nearby.
“It is such a fairly simple answer to providing more security for domestic violence victims. We are delighted that the legislature did pass this legislation,” Cathy Gurley, CEO of You Have The Power, said.
If the bill is signed into law, courts would also be required to issue a GPS monitor if the offender violates an order of protection.
“It’s definitely going to be a deterrent, it’s going to save lives,” Gurley said. “Perpetrators have a lot of tools at their disposal to follow and stalk the people they’re victimizing, so this is one tool in the victim’s pocket.”
The offender must cover the cost of the GPS monitoring device and any charges associated with the victim’s GPS monitoring app.
The bill has passed both the Tennessee House and Senate and now awaits a signature by Lee.
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