SB 1290 permanently removes a temporary expiration date for a law that excludes certain testing equipment from being classified as drug paraphernalia. Specifically, it makes permanent the exclusion of equipment used to test for synthetic opioids (like fentanyl) unless the equipment is used to commit a drug crime. This change directly affects harm reduction organizations, public health workers, and law enforcement using such tools for legitimate testing purposes. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Section 39-17-402 by deleting the prior repeal date of July 1, 2025. The law is now permanent and took effect April 3, 2025.
SB 19 allows Tennessee's Attorney General and Reporter to investigate and prosecute criminal violations by judicial officials (such as judges) or district attorney generals. This authority applies only when the Attorney General has sufficient evidence of a crime and either the local district attorney would face a personal, financial, or political conflict of interest in prosecuting the case, or a nepotism violation has been reported. The law ensures that cases involving potential conflicts can be handled by the Attorney General's office without relying on the conflicted local prosecutor. It does not change existing criminal laws but clarifies the process for such investigations.
SB 704 creates new Class B misdemeanor offenses for impersonating ride-hailing (e.g., Uber/Lyft) or traditional taxi drivers in Tennessee. It prohibits falsely using a company’s logo, claiming to be responding to a ride request, or making false statements about having a connection to these services. The law directly affects individuals who impersonate drivers to deceive passengers or gain unauthorized access to ride services. Violations are punishable as Class B misdemeanors, rising to Class E felonies if committed during another felony. The bill applies to all drivers of transportation network companies and private passenger-for-hire vehicles (like taxis), excluding personal vehicles used with ride-hailing apps.
SB 335, the "Voyeurism Victims Act," amends Tennessee law to specifically address unauthorized photography (voyeurism) by defining "unlawful photography" and expanding legal protections for victims. It adds new provisions to criminalize hidden-camera photography, multiple-victim cases, and extends the statute of limitations for prosecution by tolling it during the defendant's concealment of the crime. The bill also integrates "unlawful photography" into existing domestic violence, stalking, and human trafficking protections, allowing victims to seek relief through related legal pathways. This law directly affects individuals who experience unauthorized photography, providing clearer legal recourse and updated penalties. It takes effect July 1, 2025, after being signed by the Governor on March 25, 2025.
SB 429 creates a new Class B misdemeanor offense for knowingly activating and pointing a laser pointer or similar device at someone driving a vehicle (including cars, boats, planes, or other motor vehicles). This law directly affects drivers who may be targeted by laser pointers and individuals who point such devices at them. The key provision makes this act a punishable misdemeanor, with the law taking effect July 1, 2025. It specifically targets laser beams aimed at operators of moving vehicles to address safety risks.
HB 120 creates two new criminal offenses in Tennessee: intentionally obstructing officers from entering, leaving, or moving within areas where they protect vulnerable individuals, and refusing to vacate restricted zones when ordered for safety. It directly affects anyone who interferes with the Division of Protective Services (including highway patrol and law enforcement officers) while they are safeguarding people under their protection. Violating these provisions is a Class A misdemeanor, but becomes a Class E felony if the person posed a threat to the protected individual. The law takes effect July 1, 2025, and applies to all locations where protective services are actively engaged.
HB 1095 requires Tennessee's Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission to issue a certification to private special deputies appointed on or after January 1, 2026, if they meet police officer qualifications and complete an approved recruit training program. To maintain this certification, special deputies must also complete annual in-service training sessions relevant to their duties. The bill directly affects private special deputies employed by entities like private security firms or businesses with law enforcement authority. It updates existing training requirements in Tennessee law (Titles 4, 8, 38, and 49) to standardize certification for this specific role, effective March 28, 2025.
HB 207 expands Tennessee's organized retail crime law to specifically criminalize using online marketplaces or social media to coordinate selling, bartering, or trading stolen merchandise for gain. It adds 10 new prohibited acts, including removing anti-shoplifting devices, interfering with fire alarms during thefts, returning stolen goods to retailers, and possessing 10+ fraudulently obtained access devices (like gift cards). The bill increases penalties for offenses involving weapons or property destruction by one classification. This law directly affects individuals coordinating organized theft and retailers impacted by such crimes, with effective date July 1, 2025.
HB 72 establishes mandatory penalties for selling hemp-derived cannabinoid products to people under 21 in Tennessee. It requires a minimum 48-hour jail sentence and $500 fine for anyone convicted of knowingly selling such products to minors. The bill also prohibits retailers from allowing employees under 21 to access, handle, or sell these products on store premises. These rules directly affect retailers and their underage employees handling hemp-derived cannabinoid products, effective July 1, 2025.
HB 191 makes it a Class B misdemeanor to knowingly point a laser pointer or laser device at someone driving a car, boat, aircraft, or any motor vehicle. This law directly affects individuals who intentionally use such devices to distract or endanger drivers. The bill creates a new criminal offense with penalties including fines or jail time for violations occurring on or after July 1, 2025. It applies statewide to all motor vehicles and was signed into law by the governor on March 28, 2025.
