Criminal Justice (Drug Policy)

in committee · Tennessee · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 2467: Firearms and Ammunition - As introduced, repeals the criminal offenses of unlawfully carrying a firearm or club with the intent to go armed and carrying or possessing a weapon in or on public parks, playgrounds, civic centers, and other public recreational buildings and grounds; allows persons convicted of stalking or a misdemeanor domestic violence offense to possess a firearm after five years from the date of conviction. - Amends TCA Title 16; Title 36; Title 37; Title 39; Title 40; Title 49 and Title 65.

SB 2467 repeals Tennessee’s criminal penalties for carrying firearms in public parks, playgrounds, and recreational areas, and removes the prohibition on firearm possession for individuals convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence or stalking after five years from their conviction date. The bill updates state law to clarify that domestic violence convictions older than five years no longer disqualify someone from owning a firearm, provided their rights haven’t been restored through other means. It also modifies definitions to replace "handgun" with "firearm" in multiple sections and adds exceptions for juveniles possessing rifles/shotguns for specific activities like livestock protection. These changes directly affect people with past domestic violence or stalking convictions, park visitors, and firearm owners navigating state restrictions.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeRepeals firearm restrictions for domestic violence offenders after 5 years, reducing victim protections and weakening gun control in criminal justice policy.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Drug Policy Firearms

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signed · Tennessee · House May 26, 2026

HB 2369: Criminal Procedure - As enacted, revises present law that authorizes the attorney general to bring an action to enforce compliance with the Tennessee Abortion-Inducing Drug Risk Protocol Act or intervene as a matter of right in a case in which the constitutionality of such act is challenged. - Amends TCA Title 38; Title 39 and Title 40.

HB 2369 increases the monthly supervision fee for defendants under court supervision from $10 to $15. It also requires municipalities to pay autopsy costs requested by local law enforcement, unless the state covers them. Additionally, the bill reclassifies illegal possession of communication devices in prisons as a Class E felony (previously a fine-only offense). These changes directly affect defendants paying fees, municipalities managing autopsy costs, and inmates facing new felony charges for prison device violations. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill increases defendant supervision fees and reclassifies prison communication device possession as a felony (previously fine-only), increasing penalties and financial burdens. Aligns with 'oppose' indicators.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Courts Drug Policy

died · Tennessee · House Mar 25, 2026

HB 2472: Criminal Offenses - As introduced, defines "criminally negligent conduct,” as used in the offense of criminally negligent homicide, to include failing or refusing to render aid to another person who is unconscious or in need of medical care and the person failing to act knows or reasonably should know that the unconsciousness or need for medical care occurred after the consumption of any controlled substance. - Amends TCA Title 39.

HB 2472 amends Tennessee's criminal code to redefine "criminally negligent conduct" for negligent homicide charges. It specifically includes failing to assist someone who is unconscious or needs medical care *if* the person knows or should know the condition resulted from controlled substance use. This directly affects individuals who witness drug-related medical emergencies but do not provide aid. The bill expands the legal definition of negligent homicide to cover these situations, effective July 1, 2026, without changing existing penalties. The amendment applies only to cases where drug use caused the medical emergency.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeExpands criminal liability for failing to assist during drug-related medical emergencies, increasing criminalization under negligent homicide charges.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Violent Crime

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in committee · Tennessee · House May 27, 2026

HB 2301: Criminal Offenses - As enacted, makes revisions to the offense of adulteration of food, liquids, or pharmaceuticals. - Amends TCA Title 39; Title 40 and Title 57.

HB 2301 makes it a serious crime (Class D felony) to intentionally spike food, drinks, or medicines to cause involuntary intoxication, bodily harm, or death. It directly affects bars, restaurants, and other venues that sell alcohol by requiring them to provide free, rapid drug testing devices for customers to check suspected spiked drinks. The bill specifies these devices must detect at least 10 controlled substances and date rape drugs within 5 minutes, be U.S.-made, and be available upon request. Venues must also display notices about the testing service and ensure devices are unexpired. The law takes effect in 2026.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeExpands criminalization by creating new Class D felony for spiking, increasing penalties rather than reforming justice systems or protecting rights.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy

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in committee · Tennessee · Senate Feb 5, 2026

SB 2571: Controlled Substances - As introduced, permits a person to possess cannabis that was obtained directly from, or pursuant to a diagnosis of a qualifying medical condition by, a licensed physician; specifies the sentences permitted for possessing certain amounts of cannabis that was not obtained directly from, or pursuant to a diagnosis of a qualifying medical condition by, a licensed physician. - Amends TCA Title 39, Chapter 17, Part 4.

SB 2571 allows Tennessee residents with a qualifying medical condition to legally possess cannabis obtained directly from a licensed physician. It criminalizes unauthorized possession: possessing ≤1 ounce is a Class A misdemeanor with a $100 fine max or 10 hours community service (no jail), while larger amounts face escalating fines and potential jail time (up to 6 months for repeat offenses over 1 ounce). The bill specifically targets non-medical cannabis use, setting penalties based on quantity without jail for small amounts. It directly affects residents seeking medical cannabis access versus those using cannabis without a physician's authorization.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeIncreases penalties for non-medical cannabis possession, expanding criminalization under sentencing provisions for unauthorized use.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareAllows physician-supervised medical cannabis access, expanding patient treatment options for qualifying conditions under healthcare framework.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Drug Policy

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in committee · Tennessee · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 1955: Criminal Offenses - As introduced, defines "criminally negligent conduct,” as used in the offense of criminally negligent homicide, to include failing or refusing to render aid to another person who is unconscious or in need of medical care and the person failing to act knows or reasonably should know that the unconsciousness or need for medical care occurred after the consumption of any controlled substance. - Amends TCA Title 39.

SB 1955 amends Tennessee's criminally negligent homicide law to define "criminally negligent conduct" as including failing to render aid to someone unconscious or needing medical care after controlled substance use, when the bystander knows or should know about the substance connection. It directly affects individuals who witness medical emergencies involving drugs but choose not to assist. The key provision expands the criminal definition to cover such inaction, making it a specific element of the offense. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026, and applies to cases involving controlled substances as defined in Tennessee law.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeExpands criminalization by making bystander inaction in drug-related medical emergencies a criminally negligent offense, increasing liability under negligent homicide law.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Violent Crime

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died · Tennessee · House Apr 14, 2026

HB 2064: Firearms and Ammunition - As introduced, repeals the criminal offenses of unlawfully carrying a firearm or club with the intent to go armed and carrying or possessing a weapon in or on public parks, playgrounds, civic centers, and other public recreational buildings and grounds; allows persons convicted of stalking or a misdemeanor domestic violence offense to possess a firearm after five years from the date of conviction. - Amends TCA Title 16; Title 36; Title 37; Title 39; Title 40; Title 49 and Title 65.

HB 2064 changes Tennessee's firearm laws by repealing criminal penalties for carrying a firearm in public parks, playgrounds, and recreational areas. It modifies restrictions for people convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence or stalking, allowing firearm possession after five years from conviction (unless rights remain restricted). The bill also removes bans on carrying firearms in public recreational spaces and updates misdemeanor penalties for carrying while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. These changes directly affect individuals with certain past convictions and those who carry firearms in public recreational areas. The bill does not alter federal gun laws or create new restrictions.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill repeals criminal penalties for firearm carrying in public parks and relaxes firearm restrictions for domestic violence/stalking offenders after 5 years, weakening existing protections in criminal justice.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Drug Policy Firearms

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in committee · Tennessee · Senate Apr 20, 2026

SB 2144: Criminal Offenses - As introduced, increases the penalties for a violation of the offense of introduction or possession of contraband into a penal institution from a Class C felony to a Class B felony for certain acts and certain types of contraband, from a Class D felony to a Class C felony for certain acts and certain types of contraband, and from a Class E felony to a Class D felony for certain acts involving a telecommunication device if the violation resulted in the death of another person. - Amends TCA Title 39 and Title 40.

SB 2144 increases penalties for introducing or possessing contraband in Tennessee prisons. It raises certain violations from a Class C to Class B felony (if the act caused death), Class D to Class C (for specific contraband), and Class E to Class D (for telecommunication devices if death occurred). The bill directly affects individuals who bring prohibited items into correctional facilities, with higher penalties applying specifically when the violation results in another person's death. The changes amend Tennessee Code Sections 39-16-201 and 40 regarding prison contraband offenses. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeIncreases felony classifications for prison contraband violations, raising penalties for acts causing death or involving specific items, directly expanding criminalization in corrections.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Drug Policy

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in committee · Tennessee · Senate Feb 2, 2026

SB 1949: Criminal Offenses - As introduced, enacts the "mRNA Bioweapons Prohibition Act," which prohibits the manufacture, acquisition, possession, or making accessible to others of mRNA injections and products; requires state and local government officials to use all lawful means necessary to investigate or enforce suspected violations; punishes violations the same as manufacturing, acquiring, possessing, or transferring a weapon of mass destruction, which is a Class B felony. - Amends TCA Title 8; Title 14; Title 39; Title 40; Title 53; Title 63 and Title 68.

SB 1949, the "mRNA Bioweapons Prohibition Act," prohibits the manufacture, possession, or distribution of modified mRNA products (including certain vaccines and gene therapies) in Tennessee, classifying violations as Class B felonies - equivalent to weapons of mass destruction offenses. It defines prohibited products as synthetic mRNA with specific genetic modifications (e.g., N-methyl-pseudouridine substitutions) used in medical treatments, excluding naturally occurring mRNA. The bill requires state and local officials to investigate violations and allows residents to sue for enforcement failures. It exempts naturally occurring mRNA and takes effect July 1, 2026.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeExpands criminalization by classifying mRNA product violations as Class B felonies (equivalent to WMD offenses), increasing penalties without addressing criminal justice reform priorities.92% confidence ✗ HealthcareOpposes HealthcareProhibits mRNA-based medical treatments (vaccines, gene therapies) under felony penalties, restricting patient access to healthcare services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy

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in committee · Tennessee · House Feb 2, 2026

HB 1647: Criminal Offenses - As introduced, enacts "Matthew Davenport's Law," which creates a Class D felony offense of knowingly possessing Kratom; creates a Class B felony offense of knowingly manufacturing, delivering, or selling Kratom, or of knowingly possessing Kratom with intent to manufacture, deliver, or sell Kratom; punishes a violation of the offense as a Class A felony if the offense involved the delivery or sale of Kratom to a minor; requires toxicology tests in certain circumstances to include testing for Kratom; requires the commissioner of labor and workforce development to promulgate a rule to add Kratom to the definition of a drug in regard to workers' compensation claims. - Amends TCA Title 33, Chapter 2; Title 38; Title 39; Title 50; Title 63 and Title 68.

HB 1647, known as "Matthew Davenport's Law," creates new criminal penalties for Kratom: possessing it becomes a Class D felony, while manufacturing, delivering, or selling it becomes a Class B felony (Class A if sold to a minor). The bill also requires medical examiners to test for Kratom in overdose deaths and physicians to include Kratom in toxicology tests for suspected overdoses or neonatal abstinence syndrome. Additionally, it mandates adding Kratom to the definition of a drug for workers' compensation claims, requiring the labor commissioner to update regulations. The law will take effect on July 1, 2026.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeCreates new felony offenses for Kratom possession/manufacturing, expanding criminalization rather than promoting reform.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy

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