HB 1200, known as "Savanna's Law," creates a public online registry for "persistent domestic violence offenders" in Tennessee. This applies to individuals convicted of domestic violence offenses with at least one prior conviction against a domestic abuse victim, as defined in the bill. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) must maintain the registry using court-provided data (name, date of birth, conviction details, and photos), excluding sensitive information like addresses. The registry becomes accessible online after January 1, 2026, with names automatically removed 2-10 years after the most recent conviction based on prior offense counts.
HB 1314 creates two new criminal offenses in Tennessee. First, it makes it a felony (Class E or D depending on circumstances) to recklessly threaten mass violence (defined as an act likely to cause serious harm to four or more people), especially if targeting schools, government buildings, or events. Second, it creates a misdemeanor (Class B or A) for posting someone’s home address or phone number online with the intent to cause harm to them or their family. The law applies to all individuals, including threats made via social media or text, but excludes public officials acting within their legal duties. Violators may face prison time and be ordered to pay restitution for disruptions caused by their threats.
HB 486 modifies Tennessee law to require district public defenders to meet certain deadlines within ten business days instead of ten calendar days, effective July 1, 2025. This change directly affects public defenders' offices across Tennessee by extending the timeframe for completing specific legal tasks, accounting for weekends and holidays. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated sections related to public defender procedures (Title 8, Chapter 14; Title 9, Chapter 4) without creating new positions or altering funding. It streamlines administrative processes for public defenders while maintaining existing service requirements.
HB 1128 revises Tennessee's laws governing county constables by establishing new training requirements and removing certain certification barriers. It requires all constables newly elected or appointed on or after July 1, 2025, to complete 128 hours of law enforcement training within their first year, with a pairing requirement with experienced officers during training unless they have prior POST-certified experience. The bill eliminates the requirement for constables to be certified by the POST commission to perform their duties and removes any mandated work-hour minimums for maintaining certification. This directly affects county constables in Tennessee, changing how they qualify and train for their roles.
HB 748 increases the mandatory amount of court costs collected in municipal court cases that must be forwarded to the state treasurer from $1.00 to $2.00 per case. This change directly affects municipal court clerks, who will now send an additional $1.00 per case to the state. The funds must be used exclusively by the Administrative Office of the Courts to cover expenses for training and continuing education programs for municipal court judges and clerks. The bill amends specific Tennessee Code sections and takes effect July 1, 2025.
HB 1353 creates a new Class E felony offense for threatening or harming individuals involved in the judicial process (such as witnesses, judges, court staff, prosecutors, public defenders, or jurors) or their family members, specifically when done to interfere with, intimidate, or retaliate against their participation in court proceedings. It directly affects anyone who targets these judicial participants with threatening or harmful acts to disrupt their work. The law defines "family member" broadly (including spouses, parents, children, and siblings) and "judicial participant" to cover key court personnel and legal professionals. This bill amends Tennessee law to strengthen protections for those supporting the justice system, effective July 1, 2025.
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.
