Criminal Justice

HB 1012 removes absolute immunity for Tennessee attorneys who commit specific criminal acts while representing a client or prospective client. It directly affects attorneys who engage in perjury, subornation of perjury, tampering with evidence, destruction of records, or coercing witnesses during legal proceedings. The bill amends state law to clarify that such conduct is not protected by litigation privilege, making attorneys subject to criminal prosecution for these offenses. This change ensures attorneys can be held accountable under criminal law for misconduct that undermines court integrity, aligning with professional conduct rules requiring candor and honesty. The bill does not alter existing criminal penalties but removes a legal barrier to prosecuting attorneys for these specific violations.

SB 824 removes the criminal penalty for possessing a firearm in a building or on property that is properly posted with signage prohibiting weapons. It also eliminates the requirement for the Department of Safety to suspend or revoke a handgun carry permit for violations of this rule. Property owners who want to restrict firearms must now install metal detectors and employ trained security staff at all public entrances to enforce the ban. This bill affects businesses, venues, and permit holders in Tennessee, taking effect July 1, 2025.

HB 729 increases penalties for obstructing public passageways in Tennessee. It upgrades general obstruction (e.g., blocking sidewalks, streets, or waterways) from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class E felony. For intentional obstruction of highways, streets, or vehicle routes, it imposes a Class D felony penalty instead. The bill directly affects individuals who block public pathways, with harsher criminal charges for willful interference with vehicle movement. The changes take effect July 1, 2025.