Criminal Offenses - As enacted, increases the penalty from a Class D felony to a Class B felony for a person who negligently, by act or omission, engages in conduct that places a child eight years of age or less in imminent danger of death, bodily injury, or physical or mental impairment. - Amends TCA Title 39.

This Tennessee law increases the punishment for adults who negligently put a child eight years old or younger at risk of death, serious injury, or harm. Specifically, it changes the charge from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class D felony for the initial act and from a Class D felony to a Class B felony for subsequent or more severe instances of this negligence. The stricter penalties apply only to actions committed on or after July 1, 2024, and the law takes effect immediately to address public welfare concerns.