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Bill > HB0045
TN HB0045
TN HB0045AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 36; Title 37; Title 39 and Title 40, relative to child abuse.
summary
Introduced
12/19/2024
12/19/2024
In Committee
04/08/2025
04/08/2025
Crossed Over
04/14/2025
04/14/2025
Passed
04/24/2025
04/24/2025
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
05/27/2025
05/27/2025
Introduced Session
114th General Assembly
Bill Summary
As enacted, increases the penalty from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class E felony for a person who commits child abuse by knowingly treating a child between 9 and 17 in such a manner as to inflict injury. - Amends TCA Title 36; Title 37; Title 39 and Title 40.
AI Summary
This bill increases the criminal penalty for child abuse in Tennessee by modifying an existing law to change the classification of a specific type of child abuse from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class E felony. Specifically, the bill targets cases where an individual knowingly treats a child between the ages of nine and 17 in a manner that inflicts injury. This change means that a person convicted under this statute would face more serious legal consequences, as a felony carries more significant potential penalties, such as longer potential prison sentences and more substantial long-term consequences for the offender, compared to a misdemeanor. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and will apply to offenses committed on or after that date. By escalating the offense from a misdemeanor to a felony, the legislation appears intended to create a stronger deterrent against child abuse and impose more significant punishments for those who commit such acts.
Committee Categories
Budget and Finance, Justice
Sponsors (8)
Jake McCalmon (R)*,
Becky Jo Alexander (R),
Jody Barrett (R),
Rick Eldridge (R),
G.A. Hardaway (D),
Mary Littleton (R),
Dennis Powers (R),
Chris Todd (R),
Last Action
Effective date(s) 07/01/2025 (on 05/27/2025)
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB0045&ga=114 |
| BillText | https://publications.tnsosfiles.com/acts/114/pub/pc0472.pdf |
| Fiscal Note - HB0045 | https://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/114/Fiscal/HB0045.pdf |
| BillText | https://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/114/Bill/HB0045.pdf |
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