Criminal Offenses - As introduced, increases from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class C felony the available sentence for an aggravated criminal trespass if, while in commission of the trespass, the trespasser encounters the owner using or displaying a firearm in self-defense; upgrades trespass offenses to Class C felonies. - Amends TCA Section 39-11-611; Title 39, Chapter 13, Part 10 and Title 39, Chapter 14, Part 4.

SB 1749 upgrades certain trespass offenses to Class C felonies in Tennessee. It specifically targets situations where a trespasser enters property without permission and encounters the owner using or displaying a firearm in self-defense - this scenario becomes a Class C felony. The bill also changes general criminal trespass to a Class C felony and adds new conditions for aggravated trespass, such as causing fear for others' safety or damaging property barriers. These changes apply to acts occurring on or after July 1, 2026, and directly affect individuals committing trespass under these specific circumstances.