Criminal Justice

HB 72 establishes mandatory penalties for selling hemp-derived cannabinoid products to people under 21 in Tennessee. It requires a minimum 48-hour jail sentence and $500 fine for anyone convicted of knowingly selling such products to minors. The bill also prohibits retailers from allowing employees under 21 to access, handle, or sell these products on store premises. These rules directly affect retailers and their underage employees handling hemp-derived cannabinoid products, effective 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.

SJR 3 is a Senate Joint Resolution defining antisemitism and urging state agencies to use this definition when assessing discrimination under Tennessee law. It provides 11 specific examples of antisemitism, including denying the Holocaust, accusing Jews of controlling institutions, or comparing Israeli policy to Nazi actions. The resolution encourages state departments, district attorneys (to seek enhanced sentences for antisemitism-motivated crimes), and schools to consider this definition when evaluating discrimination claims based on religion or national origin. It does not create new laws but serves as a policy statement for state entities. This resolution applies directly to Tennessee state government agencies, schools, and law enforcement.

SB 956 reduces waiting periods for expunging certain criminal records in Tennessee. It shortens the required time from 5 years to 3 years for misdemeanors or Class E felonies, and from 10 years to 6 years for Class D felonies after completing a sentence. The bill amends Tennessee Code Sections 40-32-101(g)(2)(B) and (k)(1)(C) to implement these changes. This affects individuals seeking to clear eligible criminal records for specific offense types. The law takes effect July 1, 2025.

SB 710 amends Tennessee law to require that public servants convicted of misusing official information (a Class B misdemeanor) must complete at least 30 hours of community service, determined by the court, in addition to any other penalties allowed under law. This bill directly affects public employees who misuse their position or access to official information. The key provision adds a mandatory community service requirement to existing punishments for this specific offense, as outlined in amended Tennessee Code § 39-16-404(b). The law takes effect July 1, 2025.