NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) - On Tuesday, Gov. Bill Lee officially signed into law a new bill that requires GPS monitoring of certain domestic violence offenders.
The bill is called the Debbie and Marie Domestic Violence Protection Act, named after mother and daughter, Debbie Sisco and Marie Varsos. Both were shot and killed by Varsos' estranged husband in April of 2021.
Nashville domestic shelters told News 2 they support this new law as a needed, added layer of security for abuse victims.
"This bill can absolutely save lives. This law will save lives," said Michelle Mowery Johnson, senior director of communications for Nashville's YWCA shelter. "An abuser, if they are in a close radius to the victim, that victim will be notified through an app on her phone."
Mowery Johnson views this technology as a great "deterrent" to domestic violence offenders while they're out on bail.
Nashville’s 'Family Safety Center' called the bill "excellent," saying it will “only be helpful.” However, the center has questions about the funding; what if the offender does not pay for the GPS device? Where will the money come from?
The YWCA said the local community may have to bear the costs, but it'd be worth it.
"If victims' lives can be saved, it's worth that cost," said Mowery Johnson. "Tennessee consistently ranks in the top 10 worst states for men killing women. In fact, we are seventh overall in the nation, and we’re the 16th largest state in the country. We need more investment; we need more education; we need our community to take this crisis seriously, and it is a crisis."
If you or a loved one needs shelter or support, Mowery Johnson encouraged people to call YWCA’s 24-Hour Crisis & Support Helpline at 1-800-334-4628, or text 615-983-5170.
According to research done by the Battered Women's Justice Project in Minnesota, Tennessee is now one of 14 states to use GPS tracking for domestic violence offenders.
The bill will take effect on July 1.