Criminal Justice (Domestic Violence)

in committee · Tennessee · House Apr 8, 2026

HB 2436: Law Enforcement - As introduced, requires a law enforcement agency that uses body cameras to adopt a written policy for the use of the cameras by its law enforcement officers; establishes certain requirements for the policies. - Amends TCA Title 38, Chapter 1.

HB 2436 requires Tennessee law enforcement agencies using body cameras to create written policies governing their use. These policies must cover when officers must activate cameras (e.g., during calls for service or public encounters), how to handle privacy-sensitive situations (like domestic violence victims or anonymous crime reports), and mandate officer training. The bill prohibits using cameras to record First Amendment activities or unrelated incidents, and requires officers to notify people being recorded when possible. It directly affects all Tennessee law enforcement agencies and officers who use body cameras.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires body camera policies with accountability measures, privacy protections, and training to enhance officer transparency and civil rights compliance in law enforcement.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Law Enforcement Policing

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in committee · Tennessee · House Mar 23, 2026

HB 2153: Domestic Violence - As introduced, enacts "Katherine's Law"; creates the offense of aggravated domestic assault, which is a Class B felony. - Amends TCA Title 39.

HB 2153, known as "Katherine's Law," creates a new offense called "aggravated domestic assault" under Tennessee law. This offense applies when someone intentionally or knowingly assaults a domestic abuse victim (as defined in existing law) using a deadly weapon, strangulation, or causing serious injury or death. Aggravated domestic assault is classified as a Class B felony, making it a more serious criminal charge than standard domestic assault. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, and will apply to offenses occurring on or after that date.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeCreates Class B felony for aggravated domestic assault (deadly weapon/strangulation), strengthening penalties for severe cases per TCA amendments.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Violent Crime

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in committee · Tennessee · House Apr 7, 2026

HB 1737: Firearms and Ammunition - As introduced, removes certain criminal offenses relative to the possession and carrying of firearms, including the offense of carrying a firearm with the intent to go armed if the person has been convicted of stalking or DUI in certain circumstances and the offense of possession of a firearm by a person under 25 if the person was adjudicated delinquent for certain offenses as a juvenile; removes the offense of possessing or carrying a weapon in a public park, playground, civic center, or other public recreational area; makes various other changes relative to the possession and carrying of firearms. - Amends TCA Title 16; Title 36; Title 37; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 49 and Title 65.

HB 1737 modifies Tennessee's firearm laws by removing specific criminal penalties related to firearm possession. It eliminates offenses for individuals convicted of stalking or DUI in certain circumstances (previously barred from carrying firearms), as well as for people under 25 who were adjudicated delinquent for certain juvenile offenses. The bill also removes the criminal prohibition against possessing or carrying weapons in public parks, playgrounds, and recreational areas. These changes amend multiple sections of Tennessee Code Annotated, including Title 39 (criminal procedure), Title 16 (criminal justice), and others, to update firearm possession restrictions.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill removes criminal penalties for specific firearm offenses, reducing unnecessary criminalization and aligning with criminal justice reform goals by expanding rights for certain individuals.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Drug Policy Firearms

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signed · Tennessee · Senate May 5, 2026

SB 1864: Private Protective Services - As enacted, adds stalking to the crimes for which an individual who has been convicted must have completed serving the individual's sentence or court-ordered probation at least five years prior to applying for a registration card to perform the duties of a security guard or officer; makes other changes related to security guards and officers. - Amends TCA Title 62, Chapter 35.

SB 1864 modifies Tennessee's security guard licensing rules by adding stalking to the list of crimes requiring a five-year waiting period after completing a sentence or probation before an applicant can register. It also disqualifies applicants from security guard registration if they are listed on a state or out-of-state abuse registry or have firearm prohibitions (like orders of protection). The bill updates requirements for security guards to report arrests or convictions related to specified offenses within 10 days. These changes directly affect individuals seeking security guard licenses who have certain criminal histories.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeAdds stalking to disqualifying crimes for security guards, requiring 5-year waiting period to enhance public safety and restrict access for individuals with certain criminal histories.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Domestic Violence Firearms

in committee · Tennessee · Senate Mar 25, 2026

SB 1976: Law Enforcement - As introduced, requires a law enforcement agency that uses body cameras to adopt a written policy for the use of the cameras by its law enforcement officers; establishes certain requirements for the policies. - Amends TCA Title 38, Chapter 1.

SB 1976 requires Tennessee law enforcement agencies using body cameras to create written policies governing their use. The policies must mandate officers activate cameras during calls for service and public encounters (except during immediate threats), keep them on until the interaction ends, and notify people being recorded. Exceptions include asking occupants before entering homes without a warrant, victims of domestic abuse or sexual assault, and anonymous crime reporters if they request the camera be turned off. The bill directly affects all Tennessee police departments and officers using body cameras, ensuring consistent recording practices while protecting privacy in specific sensitive situations.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires body camera policies mandating activation during interactions, enhancing officer accountability and transparency in law enforcement, directly aligning with criminal justice reform indicators.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Law Enforcement Policing

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in committee · Tennessee · Senate Mar 16, 2026

SB 2050: Domestic Violence - As introduced, enacts "Katherine's Law"; creates the offense of aggravated domestic assault, which is a Class B felony. - Amends TCA Title 39.

SB 2050, known as "Katherine's Law," creates a new criminal offense called "aggravated domestic assault" for specific severe domestic violence acts. It defines this as intentionally or knowingly assaulting a domestic abuse victim (per Tennessee law) while using a deadly weapon, displaying one, strangulating, or causing serious injury or death. This offense is classified as a Class B felony, a serious criminal charge. The law applies to incidents occurring on or after July 1, 2026, and directly affects domestic violence victims and perpetrators committing these specific acts.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeCreates Class B felony for severe domestic violence acts, strengthening legal response to protect victims and address serious offenses under criminal justice framework.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Violent Crime

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in committee · Tennessee · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 1851: Firearms and Ammunition - As introduced, removes certain criminal offenses relative to the possession and carrying of firearms, including the offense of carrying a firearm with the intent to go armed if the person has been convicted of stalking or DUI in certain circumstances and the offense of possession of a firearm by a person under 25 if the person was adjudicated delinquent for certain offenses as a juvenile; removes the offense of possessing or carrying a weapon in a public park, playground, civic center, or other public recreational area; makes various other changes relative to the possession and carrying of firearms. - Amends TCA Title 16; Title 36; Title 37; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 49 and Title 65.

SB 1851 removes three specific criminal prohibitions related to firearm possession in Tennessee. It eliminates penalties for carrying a firearm with intent to go armed if someone has certain stalking or DUI convictions under defined circumstances. It also removes the ban on firearm possession for people under 25 who were adjudicated delinquent for specific juvenile offenses. Additionally, the bill repeals the prohibition against carrying weapons in public parks, playgrounds, and other recreational areas. These changes amend multiple sections of Tennessee's firearm laws (TCA Titles 16, 36-40, 49, and 65).

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRemoves firearm possession prohibitions for specific offenses, reducing criminalization and aligning with criminal justice reform goals by expanding rights for certain individuals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Drug Policy Firearms

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in committee · Tennessee · Senate May 15, 2026

SB 1717: Criminal Offenses - As enacted, creates a criminal offense of knowingly violating a no contact order issued as part of a defendant's sentence or conditions of probation or parole following conviction for certain criminal offenses in which the alleged victim of the offense is a domestic abuse victim; punishes a violation as a Class A misdemeanor. - Amends TCA Title 39 and Title 40.

SB 1717 makes it a Class A misdemeanor to knowingly violate a no contact order issued as part of a defendant's sentence or probation/parole conditions following a conviction for a domestic abuse offense. It directly affects individuals convicted of domestic abuse crimes who break court-ordered no contact restrictions with the alleged victim. The bill amends Tennessee law to expand the scope of violations to include post-conviction orders (not just pre-trial) and clarifies that violations apply when the alleged victim is defined as a domestic abuse victim under state law. This change takes effect on July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeStrengthens victim protection by criminalizing no-contact order violations post-conviction for domestic abuse, advancing accountability in criminal justice system.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Domestic Violence Probation & Parole

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signed · Tennessee · House May 15, 2026

HB 1624: Criminal Offenses - As enacted, creates a criminal offense of knowingly violating a no contact order issued as part of a defendant's sentence or conditions of probation or parole following conviction for certain criminal offenses in which the alleged victim of the offense is a domestic abuse victim; punishes a violation as a Class A misdemeanor. - Amends TCA Title 39 and Title 40.

HB 1624 makes knowingly violating a no-contact order issued as part of a defendant's sentence or probation/parole for certain domestic abuse-related crimes a Class A misdemeanor. It directly affects individuals convicted of offenses where the alleged victim was a domestic abuse victim under Tennessee law. The bill amends Tennessee Code to clarify that violations of such orders - whether issued before release on bond or as part of sentencing - constitute a specific criminal offense. This changes the legal consequence from a general probation breach to a defined misdemeanor charge, effective July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeStrengthens victim protection in domestic abuse cases by criminalizing no-contact order violations, aligning with criminal justice reform goals to enhance safety and accountability.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Probation & Parole Sentencing

in committee · Tennessee · House Apr 8, 2025

HB 602: Criminal Offenses - As enacted, enacts the "Voyeurism Victims Act." - Amends TCA Title 28; Title 29; Title 36, Chapter 3, Part 6; Title 39 and Title 40, Chapter 2.

HB 602, the "Voyeurism Victims Act," creates a specific criminal offense for non-consensual photography of intimate areas (unlawful photography) and expands victim protections. It defines the crime to include photos taken for sexual gratification, using hidden cameras, or involving multiple victims, and extends the statute of limitations for prosecution until the victim discovers the act. The bill also adds "unlawful photography victim" to Tennessee’s domestic violence and stalking protection orders, allowing affected individuals to seek legal relief through existing court processes. This law directly affects people who experience non-consensual intimate photo sharing, providing clearer legal pathways for accountability and support. It takes effect July 1, 2025.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeCreates specific offense for voyeurism, extends statute of limitations for victims, and adds victim protection to domestic violence laws - directly strengthens victim safeguards in criminal justice.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Domestic Violence

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