HJR 863 is a Tennessee resolution urging the U.S. Congress to pass H.R. 2350/S. 1137, which would allow states to use cell-phone jamming systems in prisons. The resolution highlights that federal law currently bans such jamming, leaving prisons vulnerable to smuggled phones used for drug trafficking, violence, and escape coordination - evidenced by 25,840 contraband phones found in state facilities in one year. The resolution emphasizes that the proposed federal law would permit jamming only with safeguards to avoid disrupting emergency 911 calls, and it cites bipartisan support from state attorneys general. This is a procedural resolution seeking federal legislative action, not a policy change itself.
HB 1741 requires insurers covering incarcerated individuals in Tennessee to treat FDA-approved non-opioid pain medications equally with opioids on their preferred drug lists (PDL). Specifically, insurers must not disadvantage or discourage coverage for non-opioid pain treatments compared to opioids, provided the non-opioid has been FDA-approved for pain management for at least nine months. The bill applies to all insurance policies covering inmates, including those through TennCare or private insurers, and amends multiple Tennessee Code titles related to healthcare coverage. It takes effect January 1, 2027, and does not prevent insurers from favoring one opioid over another or one non-opioid over another.
HB 2253 prohibits juveniles adjudicated delinquent for conduct that would be "threatening to commit an act of mass violence" if committed by an adult from purchasing or possessing firearms until age 25. It also requires federally licensed firearm sellers to verify buyers are not prohibited under court orders or state law. The bill increases penalties for sexual exploitation of minors by raising felony classifications: possession of 50+ images becomes a Class B felony (100+ is Class A), and distribution of 25+ images becomes a Class A felony. These changes amend Tennessee’s criminal code in Titles 37 and 39, effective July 2026.
HB 2367 expands the legal definition of "victim" in Tennessee criminal law to include insurance companies that compensated victims and law enforcement agencies that spent funds on investigations. It also explicitly allows victims (or their representatives) to attend court proceedings related to their case, beyond the state's designated witness. The bill specifically adds certain offenses - like evading arrest causing serious injury/death and vehicular homicide - to the list where victim impact is considered during sentencing. These changes directly affect crime victims, their representatives, insurance providers, and law enforcement agencies involved in criminal cases. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026.
HB 2264 creates a new Class B misdemeanor offense for intentionally obstructing, disturbing, or interfering with religious institution activities through offensive words, gestures, or displays near the location. It specifically applies to conduct that would be offensive to an ordinary person and disrupts the "order and solemnity" of services at churches, temples, synagogues, mosques, or other places of worship. The law amends Tennessee’s criminal code to define this offense and its penalty, effective July 2026. It directly affects individuals who engage in such disruptive conduct near religious gatherings, not general protest activities. The bill does not criminalize all criticism or peaceful demonstrations, only those meeting the defined threshold.
HB 1678 amends Tennessee law to increase penalties for introducing or possessing contraband in prisons. It raises the felony classification for certain violations (like bringing weapons or drugs) from a Class C to Class B felony, Class D to Class C, or Class E to Class D felony if the act results in another person's death. The bill specifically targets cases involving telecommunication devices (like phones) if death occurs. These changes directly affect individuals who bring prohibited items into correctional facilities, such as inmates, visitors, or staff.
HB 1962 creates a strong presumption against granting probation to defendants convicted of aggravated assault involving a firearm. Specifically, if a defendant used or displayed a firearm during the assault (as defined under Tennessee law), the court must assume they are not suitable for probation unless the defendant proves otherwise. This rule applies to all aggravated assault convictions under § 39-13-102 and takes effect July 1, 2026. The bill directly affects individuals convicted of firearm-related aggravated assault by making probation significantly harder to obtain.
HB 696 creates a statewide Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) Coordinator position to improve coordination and support for local SARTs across Tennessee. The coordinator, employed by the Tennessee Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence, will provide training, oversight, and technical assistance to ensure local teams follow best practices and access resources. The bill requires annual reports to the legislature on SART performance, gaps in services, and recommendations for improvement. Funding for the position will come from state grants to the coalition, with the law taking effect July 1, 2025.
HB 661, the "Comprehensive Assault Crime Intervention Act," requires judges to mandate counseling for individuals convicted of assault offenses. It specifies that defendants must complete certified batterer's intervention programs (minimum 26 weeks, 3 hours per session, with a 6:1 participant-to-counselor ratio) or substance abuse treatment as part of sentencing. The bill also mandates annual 12+ hour domestic violence training for judges and court staff. These provisions directly affect assault defendants and court personnel, focusing on rehabilitation and consistent judicial handling of domestic violence-related cases.
HB 184 creates a new Class C felony for reckless endangerment classified as "community terrorism," defined as gang-related acts against populations in a geographic area or within 1,000 feet of schools, parks, or other public spaces like libraries. Convicted individuals face a mandatory 5-year driver's license revocation or prohibition (with limited exceptions for work/medical needs), plus GPS monitoring to enforce geographic restrictions near the crime site. The law applies specifically to offenses committed by criminal gang members or near protected locations, requiring courts to order these penalties alongside sentencing. Reinstatement of a driver's license is only possible after five years, with strict requirements for restricted use and court approval.
