Criminal Justice (Human Trafficking)

This bill, known as the Tennessee Sexual Violence Justice Act, establishes new requirements for law enforcement officers investigating sexual assault cases in Tennessee. It mandates that investigators complete annual trauma-informed training focused on victim-centered approaches, with specific curriculum standards developed in coordination with victim advocates and healthcare providers. The legislation also requires the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation to test sexual assault evidence collection kits within 90 days of receipt and submit annual reports on testing timelines to state officials. Additionally, the bill ensures that DNA profiles from these kits are eligible for entry into national and local DNA databases to aid in solving cases.

HB 2235, the "Tennessee Fair Chance Housing Act," prohibits housing providers (like landlords, property managers, and real estate agents) from discriminating against applicants based solely on criminal history. It establishes time limits: housing providers can only consider misdemeanor convictions within the past 3 years and felony convictions within the past 10 years. For sex offense convictions, providers must conduct an individualized assessment to determine if there's a direct safety risk before denying housing. The bill also bans questions about arrests that didn't result in conviction and requires written evaluations considering factors like rehabilitation efforts and the nature of the offense.

HB 182, known as "The Ink of Hope Act," requires tattoo operators and artists in Tennessee to complete a one-hour training course on recognizing and reporting human trafficking signs before obtaining a permit or renewing a license. The training, provided at no cost by an approved nonprofit, covers identifying trafficking indicators, responding appropriately, referring clients to victim resources, and reporting to the Tennessee Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline. Existing license holders must complete this training by December 31, 2028, or risk license invalidation. The bill also protects licensed individuals from civil or criminal liability for good-faith actions related to human trafficking reporting.

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.

HB 792, the "Tennessee Sexual Violence Justice Act," requires law enforcement officers investigating sexual assault to complete annual trauma-informed, victim-centered training (16 hours minimum) through the POST commission, with curriculum developed in collaboration with victim advocates and healthcare providers. It mandates the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) to test all previously untested sexual assault evidence kits by January 2026 (prioritizing ongoing cases) and to test new kits within 90 days of receipt starting July 2025, requiring annual reports on testing timelines. The bill directly affects law enforcement personnel, the TBI, and victims of sexual assault by standardizing investigative practices and evidence processing. Key provisions include mandatory mock assessments for training, specific interview techniques emphasizing victim safety, and DNA profiling protocols for CODIS databases.

SB 171, "The Ink of Hope Act," requires tattoo operators and artists in Tennessee to complete one hour of free, nonprofit-approved training on recognizing and reporting human trafficking signs before obtaining or renewing a license. The training covers identifying trafficking indicators, responding appropriately, referring clients to victim resources, and reporting to the Tennessee Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline. Existing license holders must complete this training by December 31, 2028, to maintain their license. The law also provides legal immunity for licensed individuals who report trafficking signs or refer clients to resources, protecting them from civil or criminal liability.