NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — The loved ones of a Robertson County Sheriff's Deputy killed in a domestic violence-related incident have spoken out since Governor Bill Lee signed a bill honoring her life and legacy.

On Tuesday, Lee signed "Savanna's Law," which creates a public registry of habitual domestic violence offenders. The legislation is named after Savanna Puckett, who was murdered at her Springfield home in 2022. Her mother, Kim Dodson, pushed for the law’s passage and testified before lawmakers on the issue.

Kim said that Puckett was just starting a promising career at the Robertson County Sheriff's Office when her life was cut short in 2022.

"She wasn't even on patrol a year when this incident happened," Kim said.

James Conn is the man responsible for Puckett's death; in August 2023, he pleaded guilty to three major counts in her murder. He has since been sentenced to life in prison.

"Savanna met this young man online," her stepfather Jason Dodson said. "He's a monster."

Kim said that Puckett's death could've been prevented had she been able to research Conn's criminal history, which included domestic assault.

"I just don't know that there's words to describe the emotion I went through," Kim said.

"Savanna's Law," which goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2026, creates a registry of persistent domestic violence offenders. Rep. Sabi ‘Doc’ Kumar (R-Springfield) sponsored the bill.

"For a good, loving people and for a good town, this was very tragic," Kumar said. "Especially the sheriff's people who knew her well."

Sharon Roberson, President and CEO of the YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee, said that the law has the potential to be helpful.

"I think that we're going to have to look to see whether that plays out to see whether or not it will provide a resource for individuals to better understand who they're dealing with, for instance," Roberson said.

The Dodsons told News 2 that they had been wondering what their next step would be and think the law is a good move forward.

"This has been amazing," Dodson said. "We left many a times with tears in our eyes trying to figure out what's our next step — what's our next step?"

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/savannas-law-loved-ones-speak/