Bill > SB0045

This bill amends Tennessee's criminal sentencing guidelines by adding a new enhancement factor that allows judges to consider a more severe sentence if an adult defendant commits an offense involving a minor, regardless of whether the minor was also convicted of the same offense. Specifically, the bill modifies Tennessee Code Annotated Section 40-35-114 by introducing a new provision that enables sentencing judges to treat the involvement of a minor as an aggravating circumstance when determining an appropriate sentence within the legal sentencing range. The new law will take effect on July 1, 2025, and will apply to criminal offenses committed on or after that date. The purpose of this enhancement appears to be to provide additional judicial discretion in cases where an adult's criminal actions involve a minor, potentially reflecting a legislative intent to impose stricter penalties in such situations.