HB 721 makes assault against school employees a Class E felony when it occurs during their official duties at specific locations: school grounds, school-sponsored activities, school-provided transportation, or official school bus stops. It directly affects K-12 school employees (teachers, staff, and administrators) in both public and private schools across Tennessee. The bill defines "educational employee" broadly to cover all staff working in grades K-12, raising the legal penalty for harming them while they perform job-related tasks. This policy change, effective July 1, 2025, elevates assault offenses from lower-level charges to felony status under these defined circumstances.
HB 836, titled the "Tennessee Cannabis Act," would legalize recreational cannabis use for adults aged 21 and older in Tennessee. It establishes regulations for licensing cannabis businesses, including requirements for product testing, child-resistant packaging, and restrictions on advertising near schools or parks. The bill defines key terms like "edible marijuana products" (e.g., food or drinks infused with cannabis) and sets standards for cultivation, manufacturing, and sales. It directly affects cannabis businesses, consumers, and local governments through new licensing processes and safety provisions.
HB 1222 would allow courts in Tennessee to issue emergency orders restricting a person’s access to firearms if a family member, household member, intimate partner, or law enforcement officer files a petition alleging the person poses an imminent risk of harm. The bill requires courts to issue these orders immediately if harm is imminent, prohibits the petitioner from paying court costs (shifting costs to the respondent), and mandates a hearing within 30 days to extend the order for up to one year. It specifically defines "family member," "household member," and "intimate partner" to clarify who can petition and ensures law enforcement receives copies to enforce the order. The bill, which amends Tennessee Code Titles 36 and 39, is currently pending (it failed in the Criminal Justice Subcommittee in April 2025).
HB 1391 automatically removes and destroys public court records for certain criminal convictions one year after sentence completion. It applies to eligible Class E felony and misdemeanor convictions under existing expunction rules, directly affecting individuals with these convictions who have completed their sentences. For cases after July 1, 2025, courts must notify clerks to initiate automatic removal without cost to the person. For pre-July 2025 convictions, individuals must request the process, but clerks cannot destroy records without a court order. The bill amends Tennessee Code Sections 10, 18, and 40 to implement this change.
HB 1191, the "Anti-Road Rage Act of 2024," creates a Class E felony for recklessly discharging a firearm while operating or riding as a passenger in a motor vehicle, and a Class A misdemeanor for recklessly brandishing or displaying a firearm in the same situation. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Titles 39 (crimes) and 55 (vehicles), to establish these specific penalties. It directly affects drivers and passengers who engage in these firearm-related actions in vehicles, with the law scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2025.
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.
