Criminal Offenses - As introduced, increases the penalty for criminal impersonation of a law enforcement officer from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class E felony if the offense occurs while the defendant is committing or attempting to commit a crime of violence. - Amends TCA Title 38; Title 39 and Title 40.

SB 1698 increases the penalty for impersonating a law enforcement officer from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class E felony when the impersonation occurs during the commission or attempt of a crime of violence. This change directly affects individuals who falsely pose as police officers while committing or attempting violent crimes. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 39-16-301, to establish this higher penalty level. The law will take effect on July 1, 2026.