NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — A new state law has the power to reduce prison sentences for hundreds of Tennessee drug offenders.

In 2020, the state legislature passed a law that no longer required mandatory minimum sentences for people caught buying or selling drugs in a school zone — meaning there was previously no option for parole or early release.

The law also shortened drug-free school zones from 1,000 to 500 feet around schools.

But that law was not made retroactive for people already behind bars for this offense until April 2022.

Last month, Governor Bill Lee signed a bill allowing courts to reduce sentences for school zone drug offenders if the act took place farther than 500 feet from the school zone, or if counsel can prove the act didn’t endanger any children.

On Wednesday, a Nashville woman became the first person in Tennessee to receive a reduced sentence under that new law.

Jenica Gant previously pleaded guilty to selling drugs inside her home back in 2011. At the time, it was within 1,000 feet of a school zone. She was sentenced to 15 years.

But during a Wednesday court hearing, Nashville Judge Steve Dozier agreed that Gant didn’t pose a threat to any children because her drug deal happened during the summer when kids weren’t in school. FULL STORY HERE