Criminal Justice

HB 1392 would remove an exception in Tennessee law that currently allows certain individuals to carry a handgun without facing charges for unlawfully carrying a firearm with intent to go armed. Specifically, it deletes the exemption for people who lawfully possess a handgun, are in a place they are lawfully present, and are either 21 years or older or 18 with qualifying military service. After the bill takes effect on July 1, 2025, these individuals would no longer be exempt and could be charged under the general unlawful carrying provision. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated sections 39-17-1307 and 39-17-1313 to eliminate this exception.

HB 358 requires Tennessee courts to mandate GPS monitoring as a condition of bail for defendants charged with specific offenses - including gun-related crimes, domestic assault, vehicle burglaries, reckless driving, drag racing, or repeat offenses - unless the court issues written findings that the defendant poses no threat to victims or public safety. The bill applies to defendants arrested for offenses listed in Section 1(b), such as those involving firearms, serious injury, or domestic violence. Courts must report monthly data on GPS monitoring cases to the Administrative Office of the Courts, which will compile an annual report for legislative committees by July 1 each year. The law takes effect July 1, 2025, and does not alter existing bail procedures for other offenses.

HB 182, known as "The Ink of Hope Act," requires tattoo operators and artists in Tennessee to complete a one-hour training course on recognizing and reporting human trafficking signs before obtaining a permit or renewing a license. The training, provided at no cost by an approved nonprofit, covers identifying trafficking indicators, responding appropriately, referring clients to victim resources, and reporting to the Tennessee Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline. Existing license holders must complete this training by December 31, 2028, or risk license invalidation. The bill also protects licensed individuals from civil or criminal liability for good-faith actions related to human trafficking reporting.