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Bill > HB0120


TN HB0120

TN HB0120
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4 and Title 39, relative to criminal offenses.


summary

Introduced
01/13/2025
In Committee
03/04/2025
Crossed Over
03/11/2025
Passed
03/14/2025
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
04/04/2025

Introduced Session

114th General Assembly

Bill Summary

As enacted, creates the offense of intentionally impeding or obstructing a member of the division of protective services from ingress to, egress from, or movement about a location where the member is responsible for a person protected by the division of protective services; creates the offense of intentionally refusing to vacate an area where access has been restricted by a member of the division of protective services for the purpose of maintaining the safety or security of the person being protected. - Amends TCA Title 4 and Title 39.

AI Summary

This bill creates new criminal offenses related to interfering with the Tennessee Division of Protective Services (DPS) while they are protecting specific individuals. Under the bill, a person can be charged with a crime for intentionally blocking or obstructing a DPS member from entering, exiting, or moving around a location where they are responsible for protecting someone. Additionally, it is an offense to refuse to leave an area that a DPS member has restricted for safety purposes. The bill defines the Division of Protective Services broadly, including Tennessee highway patrol, homeland security officers, and other law enforcement personnel actively supporting DPS operations. The penalties for these offenses vary: obstructing a DPS member is typically a Class A misdemeanor, but it becomes a Class E felony if the person is deemed a threat to the protected individual's safety. Refusing to vacate a restricted area is a Class E felony. The law will take effect on July 1, 2025, and is designed to enhance the safety and operational capabilities of protective services personnel by creating legal consequences for interference with their duties.

Committee Categories

Budget and Finance, Justice

Sponsors (8)

Last Action

Effective date(s) 07/01/2025 (on 04/04/2025)

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