SB 2523 clarifies that knowingly accessing cloud computing services (like email or online storage) for fraud or theft is a criminal offense. It directly affects individuals who misuse cloud accounts for financial gain or data theft, and law enforcement handling such cases. The bill amends Tennessee Code by adding "cloud computing service" to the list of protected systems under existing fraud and theft laws. This update ensures cloud-based services are explicitly covered under current criminal statutes without creating new penalties.
HB 2346, the "Fair Background Check and Due Process Act," prevents consumer reporting agencies from sharing unproven criminal charges (like arrests or pending cases without a conviction) with employers, landlords, or licensing agencies. It allows reporting only for convictions or specific "excluded offenses" (such as theft, fraud, or violent crimes directly related to job safety). The bill directly affects job seekers, renters, and license applicants who face denials based on unproven allegations. It does not stop employers from asking job-related questions or conducting required background checks. The bill is currently pending in the Criminal Justice Subcommittee.
SB 2628, the "Fair Background Check and Due Process Act," prevents background check companies from reporting unproven criminal charges (like pending cases, dismissals, or non-convictions) to employers, landlords, or licensing agencies, except for specific serious offenses like theft, fraud, or violent crimes. It directly affects job applicants, renters, and license seekers who have arrest records without convictions. The bill requires background checks to only include convictions or excluded offenses, while allowing employers to ask about job-related conduct and conduct required licensing checks. This changes how background checks are conducted for employment, housing, and licensing in Tennessee.
HB 2263 amends Tennessee law to specifically criminalize intentionally starving livestock to death in a "depraved and sadistic manner" without justification, expanding the definition of aggravated cruelty to livestock. This directly affects individuals who commit such acts against livestock, making it a Class E felony. The bill adds starvation as a distinct prohibited act under existing cruelty statutes, requiring proof of extreme cruelty and lack of lawful purpose. It will take effect on July 1, 2026, if passed. The law targets severe cases of livestock abuse, not routine farming practices.
SB 2327 creates a new Class B misdemeanor offense for intentionally obstructing, disturbing, or interfering with activities at a religious institution (defined as a church, temple, synagogue, mosque, or other place of worship) through offensive words, gestures, or displays that disturb the order of the space. It specifically targets conduct that is offensive to most people, whether inside the facility or near enough to disrupt services. Violating this law would result in misdemeanor charges, with the bill taking effect July 1, 2026. The bill directly affects individuals whose actions near religious gatherings are deemed offensive under this standard.
HB 2354, introduced as House Bill 2354, changes sentencing for sexual battery committed by authority figures (such as teachers, coaches, or counselors) in Tennessee. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 39 (criminal procedure) and Title 40 (sentencing), specifically removing probation eligibility for this offense under Section 39-13-527. This means individuals convicted of sexual battery by an authority figure will no longer qualify for probation and must face other sentencing options. The law would take effect July 1, 2026, applying to offenses occurring on or after that date.
SB 2506, the "Tennessee Fair Chance Housing Act," prohibits landlords and housing providers from refusing to rent or lease housing solely based on a person's criminal history. It limits consideration of criminal records to a 3-year look-back period for misdemeanors and 10 years for felonies (except for sex offenses, which require an individualized safety assessment). Housing providers must conduct an individualized assessment considering factors like the offense severity, time since conviction, rehabilitation efforts, and safety risks before denying housing. This law directly affects renters with criminal records and housing providers managing residential properties across Tennessee.
HB 2317, the "Tennessee Anti-Grooming Act," creates a new criminal offense for adults who groom minors (under 18) or mentally compromised individuals (e.g., those with autism, intellectual disabilities, or severe mental health conditions) for sexual exploitation. It defines "grooming" as using electronic or in-person communication to build trust or control with the intent to facilitate sexual contact, simulated sexual contact, or exploitation. Penalties range from a Class E felony (standard) to a Class A felony (if victim is under 13) or higher, depending on victim age, prior offenses, or the offender’s position of trust. The bill supplements existing child protection laws and would take effect July 1, 2026, if passed.
SB 2308 (Tennessee) removes confidentiality from specific information related to carrying out death sentences, making it public record. It requires disclosure of the names of personnel involved in executions, details about suppliers of lethal injection drugs (excluding addresses/SSNs), and payments made to contractors for execution-related work. The bill directly affects the Tennessee Department of Correction, drug suppliers, and contractors involved in capital punishment procedures. Key provisions mandate public access to this information while exempting sensitive personal identifiers like residential addresses and Social Security numbers. The law aims to increase transparency in death penalty execution processes without altering the death penalty itself.
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HB 2575, known as the "Reckless Bullet Prevention Act," makes it a Class A misdemeanor to recklessly discharge a firearm into the air, ground, water, or nearby objects when people are present. It directly affects anyone who discharges a firearm carelessly in public or populated areas, with specific exceptions for law enforcement, military personnel, hunters, and self-defense scenarios. The bill requires all handgun safety courses to include instruction on this new offense starting July 1, 2026, and applies to actions occurring on or after that date. Key exceptions cover official duties, wildlife control, and defense against animal attacks.
