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.
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.
HB 308 would allow counties in Tennessee with over 900,000 residents (based on the 2020 census) to raise their local sales tax rate from a maximum of 2.75% to 3.75%. The revenue from this tax increase must be used exclusively for building a new county jail or paying off debt related to jail construction, including principal, interest, and expenses. The higher tax rate would apply for up to eight years or until the jail debt is paid off, whichever comes first. If the debt is paid early, the county must notify the state within 10 days. After the eight-year period or debt payoff, the tax rate would revert to 2.75%.
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 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.
HB 191 makes it a Class B misdemeanor to knowingly point a laser pointer or laser device at someone driving a car, boat, aircraft, or any motor vehicle. This law directly affects individuals who intentionally use such devices to distract or endanger drivers. The bill creates a new criminal offense with penalties including fines or jail time for violations occurring on or after July 1, 2025. It applies statewide to all motor vehicles and was signed into law by the governor on March 28, 2025.
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 1392 would remove an exception in Tennessee law that currently allows certain individuals to carry a handgun without facing charges for unlawfully carrying a firearm with intent to go armed. Specifically, it deletes the exemption for people who lawfully possess a handgun, are in a place they are lawfully present, and are either 21 years or older or 18 with qualifying military service. After the bill takes effect on July 1, 2025, these individuals would no longer be exempt and could be charged under the general unlawful carrying provision. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated sections 39-17-1307 and 39-17-1313 to eliminate this exception.
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.
