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The Tennessee Conservative [By Paula Gomes] –
Of the 177 new laws that the Tennessee General Assembly passed this year, many deal with crime.
Some went into effect, in part, immediately after being signed by the governor. Some go into effect next week, and others at the beginning of next year.
Going into effect July 1st, 2025:
Increasing Penalties for Child Abusers
HB0045 increases what was a Class A misdemeanor to a Class E felony for abusing a child with the intention of inflicting injury. Previously, such abuse was only a felony if the child was 8-years-old or younger.
Getting Rid of Squatters of Commercial Property
HB0216 amends current law to provide for the “quick restoration of possession of commercial real property to the lawful owner when the property is being unlawfully occupied.” A property owner, or the owner’s authorized agent will now be able to request the immediate removal of anyone essentially squatting by filing a complaint with the Sheriff of the county where the property is located.
Making More Offenses A Dangerous Felony While Possessing a Firearm
HB0578 adds additional criminal offenses to the list of crimes that constitute a “dangerous felony” because of possession of a firearm with the “intent to go armed.”
Extends the Statute of Limitations for Sexually Abusing Children
HB0973 allows for the criminal prosecution of certain child sexual abuse felonies for an additional five years beyond what is currently provided for in state law. Instead of the statute of limitations ending at 25 years from the date of the victim’s 18th birthday, it will now be extended to 30 years. Civil actions based on the sexual abuse of a child will also be extended to 30 years, whereas it was previously only 15.
Minors to Lose Driving Privileges for Bullying
HB1025 requires minors to lose their driving privileges or their ability to obtain a driver’s license for a year if they are adjudicated for bullying, including cyberbullying. Judges are allowed to grant minors a special type of restricted license under specific circumstances if they have not violated harassment rules in the past.
Increasing Penalties for Threats of Mass Violence and Making Doxxing a Misdemeanor
HB1314 makes the penalties for those threatening mass violence online greater, and creates new penalties for ‘doxxing’ which involves posting the addresses and phone numbers of individuals on public websites with the intent to cause harm. The new law now makes threatening any kind of mass violence, either online or in person, that would lead a “reasonable person” to conclude that the threat is credible a Class E felony. Doxxing is a Class B misdemeanor but if an individual, their family, or property ends up being harmed, then the charge could wind up being a Class A misdemeanor.
Amends Harassment Law
SB0028 expands existing law dealing with criminal harassment and adds harassment occurring by in-person communication to harassment that occurs via phone, writing, or electronic means.
Broadening Definition of Animal Cruelty
SB0433 makes the abandoning of an animal, regardless of the reason, an act of animal cruelty. Abandoning the animal at a veterinary clinic, animal shelter, or rescue organization without making reasonable arrangements for the animal’s care is not a defense to prosecution under this amending of current law.
Increasing Penalty for Crime Involving Catalytic Converters
SB0769 changes present law for being in possession of a used, detached catalytic converter that a person does not have authorization to possess from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class E felony. Punishable previously only be a fine, the offense is now punishable either by a term of imprisonment not to exceed 11 months, 29 days or a fine not to exceed $2,500 or both.
Going into effect January 1st, 2026:
Criminalizes Use of Out-of-State Driver Licenses Issued To Illegal Aliens
HB0749 makes it a Class B misdemeanor to operate a motor vehicle in Tennessee without a valid driver license. Out-of-state driver licenses that have been issued exclusively to illegal aliens will be designated as invalid. Part of the law went into effect on April 24th.
Adding Community Service Hours to the Punishment for Cruelty to Animals
HB1089 mandates that individuals found guilty of the offense of cruelty to animals have at least 40 hours of community service added to whatever other punishment is authorized by law. Part of the law went into effect May 21st.
Creating Registry of Domestic Violence Offenders
HB1200 enacts “Savanna’s Law” which mandates that the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation maintain a registry of “persistent” domestic violence offenders that is available on the internet for the public. The registry will list the offender’s name, date of birth, conviction date, county (or counties) of convictions, and also include a current photograph of the offender. Offenders who are convicted of domestic violence more than once will be ordered to register.
The law is named after Savanna Puckett, a Robertson County Sheriff’s Deputy, who was killed inside her own home three years ago when she was 22-years-old. Puckett’s killer, an estranged boyfriend, had a track record of domestic assault.
About the Author: Paula Gomes is a Tennessee resident and reporter for The Tennessee Conservative. You can reach Paula at paula@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
