HB 573 changes Tennessee's criminal law by lowering the threshold for a Class A felony conviction related to fentanyl derivatives. It reduces the amount of substances like fentanyl, carfentanil, or their analogues that trigger this severe penalty from 150 grams to 50 grams or more for offenses including manufacturing, delivering, selling, or possessing with intent to do so. This bill directly affects individuals involved in the distribution or possession of these substances at or above the new 50-gram threshold. The law takes effect on July 1, 2025, as specified in the bill text.
HB 403 expands Tennessee's unlawful photography law to cover photos where the defendant knew the victim was engaged in sexual activity. It upgrades penalties for this offense to a felony (Class D) in specific cases, replacing previous misdemeanor or lower felony classifications. The bill also allows courts to issue protection orders for victims who have been subjected to, threatened with, or feared such non-consensual photography. This directly affects individuals who commit non-consensual photography and victims of such acts. The changes apply to offenses occurring on or after July 1, 2025.
HB 1165 amends Tennessee sentencing laws to require judges to consider as a sentencing factor that an adult defendant committed a criminal offense with a minor, regardless of whether the minor was convicted. This change directly affects adult defendants in criminal cases where a minor was involved in the offense. The bill adds this factor to the list of considerations judges must weigh when determining a sentence within the legally permitted range. It applies to offenses committed on or after July 1, 2025, and would impact sentencing outcomes for such cases statewide.
SB 19 allows Tennessee's Attorney General and Reporter to investigate and prosecute criminal violations by judicial officials (such as judges) or district attorney generals. This authority applies only when the Attorney General has sufficient evidence of a crime and either the local district attorney would face a personal, financial, or political conflict of interest in prosecuting the case, or a nepotism violation has been reported. The law ensures that cases involving potential conflicts can be handled by the Attorney General's office without relying on the conflicted local prosecutor. It does not change existing criminal laws but clarifies the process for such investigations.
SB 335, the "Voyeurism Victims Act," amends Tennessee law to specifically address unauthorized photography (voyeurism) by defining "unlawful photography" and expanding legal protections for victims. It adds new provisions to criminalize hidden-camera photography, multiple-victim cases, and extends the statute of limitations for prosecution by tolling it during the defendant's concealment of the crime. The bill also integrates "unlawful photography" into existing domestic violence, stalking, and human trafficking protections, allowing victims to seek relief through related legal pathways. This law directly affects individuals who experience unauthorized photography, providing clearer legal recourse and updated penalties. It takes effect July 1, 2025, after being signed by the Governor on March 25, 2025.
HB 602, the "Voyeurism Victims Act," creates a specific criminal offense for non-consensual photography of intimate areas (unlawful photography) and expands victim protections. It defines the crime to include photos taken for sexual gratification, using hidden cameras, or involving multiple victims, and extends the statute of limitations for prosecution until the victim discovers the act. The bill also adds "unlawful photography victim" to Tennessee’s domestic violence and stalking protection orders, allowing affected individuals to seek legal relief through existing court processes. This law directly affects people who experience non-consensual intimate photo sharing, providing clearer legal pathways for accountability and support. It takes effect July 1, 2025.
HB 96 authorizes Tennessee's Attorney General and Reporter to investigate and prosecute judges, court officials, or district attorneys when local prosecutors might face a conflict of interest. It specifically applies if there's evidence a judicial official may have broken state criminal law or if a nepotism violation is reported. The law creates a direct pathway for the Attorney General to handle these cases instead of relying on local prosecutors who cannot act impartially. This changes Tennessee's process for addressing potential criminal conduct by judicial officials.
HB 120 creates two new criminal offenses in Tennessee: intentionally obstructing officers from entering, leaving, or moving within areas where they protect vulnerable individuals, and refusing to vacate restricted zones when ordered for safety. It directly affects anyone who interferes with the Division of Protective Services (including highway patrol and law enforcement officers) while they are safeguarding people under their protection. Violating these provisions is a Class A misdemeanor, but becomes a Class E felony if the person posed a threat to the protected individual. The law takes effect July 1, 2025, and applies to all locations where protective services are actively engaged.
HB 1095 requires Tennessee's Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission to issue a certification to private special deputies appointed on or after January 1, 2026, if they meet police officer qualifications and complete an approved recruit training program. To maintain this certification, special deputies must also complete annual in-service training sessions relevant to their duties. The bill directly affects private special deputies employed by entities like private security firms or businesses with law enforcement authority. It updates existing training requirements in Tennessee law (Titles 4, 8, 38, and 49) to standardize certification for this specific role, effective March 28, 2025.
HB 207 expands Tennessee's organized retail crime law to specifically criminalize using online marketplaces or social media to coordinate selling, bartering, or trading stolen merchandise for gain. It adds 10 new prohibited acts, including removing anti-shoplifting devices, interfering with fire alarms during thefts, returning stolen goods to retailers, and possessing 10+ fraudulently obtained access devices (like gift cards). The bill increases penalties for offenses involving weapons or property destruction by one classification. This law directly affects individuals coordinating organized theft and retailers impacted by such crimes, with effective date July 1, 2025.
