SB 1303 Tennessee Senate · 114th Regular Session (2025-2026)

Criminal Offenses - As enacted, creates the offense of intentionally impeding or obstructing a member of the division of protective services from ingress to, egress from, or movement about a location where the member is responsible for a person protected by the division of protective services; creates the offense of intentionally refusing to vacate an area where access has been restricted by a member of the division of protective services for the purpose of maintaining the safety or security of the person being protected. - Amends TCA Title 4 and Title 39.

SB 1303 creates two new criminal offenses in Tennessee law. It makes it illegal to intentionally block or obstruct a protective services officer (including highway patrol or law enforcement supporting them) when they need to access a location to protect a person under their care. It also prohibits refusing to leave an area where access has been restricted by such an officer to ensure the safety of the person being protected. Violations are punishable as a Class A misdemeanor, or a Class E felony if the person obstructing posed a threat to the protected individual. This law directly affects anyone who interferes with protective services officers during their duties.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 10, 2025 Last action Apr 4, 2025
Floor votes

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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
10
Key actions
2
Committee
3
Mar 4, 2025
Lower · Passed
Recommended for passage, refer to Senate Calendar Committee
lower
Feb 26, 2025
Lower · Passed
Placed on Senate Judiciary Committee calendar for 3/4/2025
lower
Feb 12, 2025
Committee
Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Judiciary Committee
upper
Feb 10, 2025
Introduced
Introduced, Passed on First Consideration
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Jack Johnson
Jack Johnson
RRepublican
TN
27