Criminal Offenses - As enacted, expands the definition of "racketeering activity" to include committing, conspiring to commit, aiding, attempting to aid, soliciting, coercing, facilitating, or intimidating another person to commit the criminal offense of animal fighting. - Amends TCA Title 39.

HB 540 amends Tennessee law to expand the definition of "racketeering activity" to include animal fighting. Specifically, it adds "animal fighting under § 39-14-203" to the list of offenses classified as racketeering. This change directly affects individuals or groups involved in organizing, promoting, or facilitating animal fighting events, treating such activities as organized crime. The law, effective July 1, 2025, makes animal fighting a specific racketeering offense under Tennessee Code Annotated Title 39. It is now enacted as Public Chapter 264.