SB 252 adjusts Tennessee's maximum compensation for crime victims under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Act to 105% of the national average compensation offered by all 50 states, D.C., and U.S. Virgin Islands. It requires the state treasurer to review and adjust this maximum amount every three years (starting January 2026), comparing it to the national average and rounding up to the nearest $100 if needed. The adjusted amount must be published on the Treasury website by March 1 each comparison year, effective for claims filed on or after July 1. This directly affects crime victims in Tennessee who file claims for compensation after the effective date.
SB 1086 creates a Class B misdemeanor for operating a vehicle in Tennessee with an out-of-state driver license deemed "invalid" under the law. It specifically targets licenses issued by other states *exclusively* to undocumented immigrants, defined as those with distinctive markings showing they are not issued to U.S. citizens or legal residents. The bill requires the Tennessee Department of Safety to publish and update a list of such invalid license classes by December 2025. This law directly affects drivers holding these specific out-of-state licenses, making their use for driving a punishable offense starting January 2026.
SB 1082 amends Tennessee law to add 30+ new offenses to the list of "dangerous felonies" that trigger stricter penalties for firearm possession during or after committing those crimes. It directly affects individuals convicted of specific violent or serious crimes like aggravated robbery, rape, human trafficking, meth manufacturing, or aggravated burglary who possess firearms during or attempt such offenses. The key mechanism expands the existing list of dangerous felonies (e.g., adding "aggravated stalking," "trafficking for commercial sex acts," and "meth manufacturing" to the list) so that firearm possession during these crimes becomes a separate offense with enhanced penalties. This bill takes effect July 1, 2025.
HB 1299, the "Preventing Deepfake Images Act," creates a civil legal remedy for individuals whose non-consensual intimate digital images or videos - whether AI-generated deepfakes or manipulated real likenesses - are shared without their consent. It directly affects victims of such disclosures and those who distribute them, requiring explicit written consent for disclosure (not just creation) and defining "intimate digital depictions" to include explicit images of identifiable people. Key provisions allow victims to sue for up to $150,000 in liquidated damages, actual damages for emotional harm, or recovery of the defendant’s profits, plus attorney fees. Exceptions cover disclosures made in good faith to law enforcement or during legal proceedings, while courts may grant anonymity to plaintiffs.
SB 1348 removes an exception that currently allows certain individuals to carry handguns without a permit in specific locations. It deletes language from Tennessee law that previously exempted people who lawfully possess a handgun and are at least 21 years old (or 18 with military service) from being charged with unlawfully carrying a firearm while in a place they are legally allowed to be. The bill directly affects those who currently rely on this exemption, making it a criminal offense to carry a handgun in such settings without a permit. The changes take effect July 1, 2025.
HB 948 requires individuals convicted of domestic assault or subject to a domestic violence order of protection to surrender any firearms they possess to a law enforcement agency within 48 hours. They must then provide the court with a receipt from law enforcement and a completed affidavit of firearm dispossession within three business days. Law enforcement must issue a receipt at the time of surrender, and the court will require proof of compliance. The law applies to all such orders or convictions occurring on or after 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 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.
SB 685 revises Tennessee's laws on unlawful photography, increasing penalties for taking unauthorized photos of others. It upgrades the offense to a felony (Class E, D, or C depending on circumstances) and adds specific aggravating factors, such as when the victim is under 13 years old or when the perpetrator holds a position of trust (e.g., a teacher or coach). The bill also mandates that offenders register as sexual offenders under Tennessee's registry law. These changes apply to acts committed on or after July 1, 2025.
SB 1349 automatically removes and destroys public records of eligible Class E felony or misdemeanor convictions one year after the person completes their sentence. It directly affects individuals convicted of qualifying offenses who meet existing expunction criteria under Tennessee law. The bill requires court clerks to handle this process without cost to the person, with courts notifying clerks for future cases (post-July 1, 2025), and allowing pre-2025 convictions to be processed via a request to the court. This eliminates manual steps for eligible individuals, streamlining access to record clearance.
