Criminal Offenses - As introduced, enacts "The Intercollegiate Student-Athlete Protection Act," which creates a criminal offense of student athlete harassment; punishes the first offense as a Class A misdemeanor and a second or subsequent offense as a Class E felony; and specifies that a student athlete who is the victim of student athlete harassment has a private right of action against a person convicted of the offense. - Amends TCA Title 4, Chapter 49; Title 39 and Title 49.

SB 1830, the Intercollegiate Student-Athlete Protection Act, creates a new criminal offense for harassment targeting student athletes in Tennessee. It specifically prohibits threats related to athletic performance or repeated sports-related bullying (including cyberbullying) that causes emotional distress. A first offense is punishable as a Class A misdemeanor, while second or subsequent offenses are Class E felonies. The bill also grants victims a private right to sue convicted perpetrators, allowing recovery of at least $75,000 per violation plus actual damages, attorney fees, and other remedies. The law applies to all student athletes at Tennessee colleges participating in intercollegiate sports and takes effect July 1, 2026.