Criminal Justice (Drug Policy)

in committee · Tennessee · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 1129: Criminal Offenses - As introduced, creates a Class E felony that is committed when a person exercises control over a motor vehicle knowing that the person does not have the permission of the owner of the motor vehicle; creates a Class A misdemeanor of possessing a firearm that the person knows or reasonably should know has been stolen. - Amends TCA Title 39.

SB 1129 creates two new criminal offenses in Tennessee: (1) a Class E felony for controlling a motor vehicle without the owner’s permission (even if not intending to steal it), and (2) a Class A misdemeanor for possessing a firearm known to be stolen. It directly affects individuals who unlawfully take vehicles or possess stolen firearms, with penalties based on the specific violation. The bill amends Tennessee’s criminal code to define these acts clearly, specifying that unauthorized vehicle control is a felony while stolen firearm possession is a misdemeanor. It takes effect July 1, 2025, and is currently pending review by the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeCreates stricter penalties (Class E felony for vehicle control, Class A misdemeanor for stolen firearms), expanding criminalization per indicators.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Firearms

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in committee · Tennessee · Senate Mar 31, 2025

SB 465: Drugs, Synthetic or Analogue - As introduced, removes the limitation that a person who is experiencing a drug overdose only has immunity from being arrested, charged, or prosecuted on the first drug overdose. - Amends TCA Title 50; Title 53; Title 63 and Title 68.

SB 465 removes a restriction in Tennessee law that previously limited legal immunity from arrest or charges for people experiencing drug overdoses to only their *first* overdose. The bill amends Tennessee Code §63-1-156(b) to allow immunity for subsequent overdoses if the person seeks emergency help. This directly affects individuals experiencing drug overdoses who contact emergency services, as they would no longer face arrest or prosecution for drug offenses during multiple overdose events. The key change is extending the existing immunity protection beyond the initial overdose, while maintaining the requirement to cooperate with emergency responders.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRemoves first-overdose limitation, expanding immunity for seeking help during multiple overdoses - reduces criminalization of drug users and promotes public health approach to overdose response.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRemoves legal barriers to seeking emergency care for drug overdoses, improving access to healthcare services and protecting individuals from prosecution when seeking help.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Substance Abuse

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in committee · Tennessee · House Mar 18, 2026

HB 1210: Firearms and Ammunition - As introduced, requires, if the respondent on an order of protection dispossesses firearms by transferring possession to a third party who is not prohibited from possessing firearms, the respondent to specify the third party and the physical address where all firearms are located on the affidavit of firearms dispossession form; requires the third party to sign the affidavit of firearms dispossession form to acknowledge receipt of the firearms. - Amends TCA Title 36, Chapter 3, Part 6.

This bill requires individuals under domestic violence protection orders who transfer firearms to a third party (not prohibited from owning guns) to list the third party's name and full address on the firearms dispossession form. It also mandates that the third party sign the form to confirm receipt of the firearms. The changes apply specifically to cases where firearms are transferred rather than surrendered to law enforcement. The bill aims to create a clear, documented record of firearm transfers in domestic violence cases to enhance safety transparency. (Amends TCA Title 36, Chapter 3, Part 6)

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeAdds accountability in firearm transfers under domestic violence orders, preventing prohibited access to firearms.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Drug Policy Firearms

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in committee · Tennessee · House Apr 9, 2025

HB 573: Criminal Offenses - As introduced, decreases from 150 grams to 50 grams or more the amount of any substance containing fentanyl, carfentanil, remifentanil, alfentanil, thiafentanil, or any fentanyl derivative or analogue that is punished as a Class A felony for the knowing manufacture, delivery, or sale of the substance, or possession with intent to manufacture, deliver, or sell the substance. - Amends TCA Title 39, Chapter 17.

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.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeLowers threshold for Class A felony on fentanyl derivatives from 150g to 50g, increasing penalties and expanding criminalization of drug offenses.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy

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in committee · Tennessee · House May 15, 2025

HB 1140: Criminal Offenses - As enacted, makes the offense of possession of a used, detached catalytic converter by an unauthorized person punishable by a term of imprisonment not greater than 11 months, 29 days; a fine not to exceed $2,500; or both, instead of only subject to a fine. - Amends TCA Title 38; Title 39; Title 55 and Title 62.

HB 1140 reclassifies the unauthorized possession of a used, detached catalytic converter as a Class E felony in Tennessee, instead of a Class A misdemeanor. This change subjects offenders to potential jail time (up to 11 months, 29 days), a fine of up to $2,500, or both. The bill directly affects individuals or businesses possessing catalytic converters without authorization, such as scrap dealers or auto repair shops. It amends Tennessee criminal code sections in Titles 38, 39, 55, and 62 to implement this penalty upgrade, effective July 1, 2025.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeReclassifies catalytic converter possession as felony with jail time, expanding criminalization rather than reforming justice system.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Drug Policy

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signed · Tennessee · Senate May 15, 2025

SB 769: Criminal Offenses - As enacted, makes the offense of possession of a used, detached catalytic converter by an unauthorized person punishable by a term of imprisonment not greater than 11 months, 29 days; a fine not to exceed $2,500; or both, instead of only subject to a fine. - Amends TCA Title 38; Title 39; Title 55 and Title 62.

SB 769 changes Tennessee law to treat unauthorized possession of a used, detached catalytic converter as a felony instead of a minor misdemeanor. It makes this offense punishable by up to 11 months and 29 days in jail, a $2,500 fine, or both. The bill directly affects individuals or businesses that possess catalytic converters without authorization, such as scrap recyclers or those who may have stolen them. This policy update strengthens penalties to deter catalytic converter theft, which is a growing problem across the state.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeIncreases penalties for catalytic converter possession, expanding criminalization from misdemeanor to felony, aligning with indicators of restricted defendant rights and expanded criminalization.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Drug Policy

failed · Tennessee · House Apr 1, 2025

HB 836: Controlled Substances - As introduced, enacts the "Tennessee Cannabis Act." - Amends TCA Title 4; Title 29; Title 33; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 41; Title 43; Title 45; Title 50; Title 53; Title 63; Title 67; Title 68 and Title 71.

HB 836, titled the "Tennessee Cannabis Act," would legalize recreational cannabis use for adults aged 21 and older in Tennessee. It establishes regulations for licensing cannabis businesses, including requirements for product testing, child-resistant packaging, and restrictions on advertising near schools or parks. The bill defines key terms like "edible marijuana products" (e.g., food or drinks infused with cannabis) and sets standards for cultivation, manufacturing, and sales. It directly affects cannabis businesses, consumers, and local governments through new licensing processes and safety provisions.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeLegalizes recreational cannabis, removing criminal penalties for possession and use, reducing arrests and convictions - a core criminal justice reform to address mass incarceration and racial disparities.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy

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in committee · Tennessee · House May 13, 2025

HB 587: Criminal Offenses - As enacted, adds organized retail crime and possession or employment of a firearm during the commission of or attempt to commit a dangerous felony to the definition of racketeering activity; clarifies that carjacking is a racketeering activity. - Amends TCA Title 39.

This Tennessee bill (HB 587) expands the state's definition of racketeering activity to include organized retail crime (like large-scale shoplifting) and carrying a firearm during a dangerous felony. It also explicitly adds carjacking to the list of activities classified as racketeering. These changes will affect law enforcement investigations and prosecutions of these specific crimes. The law takes effect July 1, 2025.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeExpands criminalization by adding organized retail crime, firearm possession during felonies, and carjacking to racketeering definitions, increasing penalties for these offenses.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Firearms Law Enforcement

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signed · Tennessee · Senate Apr 8, 2025

SB 1290: Criminal Offenses - As enacted, makes permanent the exclusion of narcotic testing equipment used to determine whether a controlled substance contains a synthetic opioid, unless the narcotic testing equipment is possessed for purposes of the commission of a drug offense, from the definition of drug paraphernalia; removes the July 1, 2025, repeal date for that exclusion. - Amends TCA Section 39-17-402.

SB 1290 permanently removes a temporary expiration date for a law that excludes certain testing equipment from being classified as drug paraphernalia. Specifically, it makes permanent the exclusion of equipment used to test for synthetic opioids (like fentanyl) unless the equipment is used to commit a drug crime. This change directly affects harm reduction organizations, public health workers, and law enforcement using such tools for legitimate testing purposes. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Section 39-17-402 by deleting the prior repeal date of July 1, 2025. The law is now permanent and took effect April 3, 2025.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill permanently removes restrictions on synthetic opioid testing equipment for harm reduction, supporting public health initiatives without criminalizing legitimate use. Aligns with criminal justice reform by reducing unnecessary criminalization ...90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRemoves legal barrier for public health workers to use synthetic opioid testing equipment, enabling harm reduction programs that protect community health and prevent overdoses.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Law Enforcement Public Health Substance Abuse

in committee · Tennessee · House Feb 12, 2025

HB 464: Drugs, Synthetic or Analogue - As introduced, removes the limitation that a person who is experiencing a drug overdose only has immunity from being arrested, charged, or prosecuted on the first drug overdose. - Amends TCA Title 50; Title 53; Title 63 and Title 68.

HB 464 removes a restriction in Tennessee law that previously limited legal immunity from arrest or prosecution for drug overdose to only the first overdose. The bill amends Tennessee Code Sections 63-1-156 and related provisions to ensure immunity applies to all subsequent overdoses when seeking help. This directly affects individuals experiencing drug overdoses who contact emergency services, as they will no longer face legal consequences for prior overdoses. The key change eliminates the "first overdose" limitation, providing consistent legal protection regardless of how many overdoses occur. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRemoves legal barriers for overdose victims seeking help, expanding immunity to all overdoses to encourage emergency assistance without fear of prosecution.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRemoves legal barriers preventing overdose victims from seeking emergency help, directly improving access to healthcare services and protecting patient rights during medical crises.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Substance Abuse

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