HB 787 creates a study committee to examine the feasibility of implementing a "distance to drive" program for DUI offenders in Tennessee. This program would allow individuals with suspended or revoked driver licenses - due to DUI convictions - to have their licenses reinstated by meeting court objectives and completing requirements set by the Department of Safety. The bill amends multiple Tennessee Code sections (16, 39, 40, 55) to establish this committee and adjust a license reinstatement deadline. It does not create the program itself but studies whether it could be implemented to help DUI defendants regain driving privileges.
HB 34 (Tennessee) changes how juvenile court records can be used in adult criminal cases. It permits courts to include juvenile records (like case outcomes and evidence) in pretrial reports used to set bond for certain criminal offenses. The bill also requires judges to consider a defendant's prior juvenile record when assessing their risk of harming the community. This directly affects individuals with past juvenile court involvement who face adult criminal charges, altering how their history influences bond decisions.
HB 322 creates a new criminal offense of "human smuggling" under Tennessee law, directly affecting individuals who transport people across borders for financial gain while concealing them from authorities. The bill defines human smuggling as transporting 10+ adults or 5+ minors (knowing they entered the U.S. illegally) to avoid detection by law enforcement, or encouraging such entry. It classifies this as a Class E felony, punishable by up to 6 years in prison, and adds misdemeanor penalties for harboring individuals who entered the U.S. illegally. The law also grants the state attorney general authority to seek court orders dissolving organizations involved in trafficking or smuggling.
SB 392 creates a new Class E felony offense for "human smuggling" in Tennessee, defined as knowingly transporting 10+ adults or 5+ minors across state lines while concealing them from immigration authorities, with knowledge they entered the U.S. illegally. It also establishes a Class A misdemeanor for harboring undocumented immigrants (a $1,000 fine per person). The law amends Tennessee Code to include human smuggling under "human trafficking offenses" and grants the Attorney General authority to seek court orders dissolving organizations involved in these crimes. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025.
SB 30 creates new misdemeanor offenses in Tennessee, primarily targeting individuals who intentionally provide false names to law enforcement during lawful detention or arrest (Section 4). It also prohibits transporting people in the enclosed cargo area of box trucks (defined as vehicles without passenger seats/safety belts) and restricts approaching within 25 feet of officers performing duties after being ordered to stop (Sections 5-6). Additionally, the bill bans unauthorized signage on bridges/highways without maintenance entity permission (Section 7) and amends procedures for police citations (Sections 8-9). These changes directly affect people detained by police, drivers using box trucks for passengers, and individuals placing signage on public infrastructure. The law takes effect July 1, 2025.
HB 55 creates new misdemeanor offenses in Tennessee for deliberately refusing to provide one's name to law enforcement during a lawful detention or arrest, or for intentionally giving a false name. It also establishes misdemeanor penalties for approaching within 25 feet of an officer who has ordered you to stop, and for riding in the cargo area of a box truck (defined as enclosed vehicles without passenger seats). The law directly affects individuals interacting with police, drivers using specific vehicle configurations, and those placing signs on public infrastructure without permission. Key provisions include classifying these violations as misdemeanors (Class B or C) and clarifying that failing to show ID isn't a violation if verbal identification is attempted. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025.
HB 370 expands Tennessee's harassment law to include in-person communication as a criminal offense, not just written, phone, or electronic contact. The bill amends state law to define "communicate" broadly, covering physical presence interactions (like shouting or gestures face-to-face), verbal exchanges, and digital messages. This change directly affects individuals who engage in harassment through direct physical interactions, making such conduct punishable under existing harassment statutes. The law takes effect July 1, 2025, updating how harassment is legally defined without altering penalties.
HB 190 lowers the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) threshold for aggravated vehicular assault and homicide charges in Tennessee. It amends Tennessee Code Annotated Sections 39-13-115(b)(2)(A) and 39-13-218(a)(3) to reduce the minimum BAC level from 0.20% to 0.15% for these offenses. This change directly affects defendants charged with aggravated vehicular assault (requiring 0.15% BAC in blood/breath) or homicide (requiring 0.15% BAC in blood). The bill makes it easier for prosecutors to pursue aggravated charges at a lower blood alcohol level than previously required. The law takes effect July 1, 2025.
HB 40 requires Tennessee's TACIR (Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations) to study two specific areas of juvenile justice: (1) the availability of local detention centers and treatment facilities for juveniles detained before court hearings, and (2) the availability of housing and treatment facilities for juveniles found delinquent and placed in state care. The study must determine if additional facilities are needed for either group and assess current resources. TACIR must report its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly by January 1, 2026, using existing resources. This bill is procedural, directing a study rather than implementing new policies or changing facility standards.
HB 1140 reclassifies the unauthorized possession of a used, detached catalytic converter as a Class E felony in Tennessee, instead of a Class A misdemeanor. This change subjects offenders to potential jail time (up to 11 months, 29 days), a fine of up to $2,500, or both. The bill directly affects individuals or businesses possessing catalytic converters without authorization, such as scrap dealers or auto repair shops. It amends Tennessee criminal code sections in Titles 38, 39, 55, and 62 to implement this penalty upgrade, effective July 1, 2025.
