Bill
Bill > HB0359
TN HB0359
TN HB0359AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 39 and Title 55, relative to criminal offenses involving driving.
summary
Introduced
01/27/2025
01/27/2025
In Committee
02/17/2026
02/17/2026
Crossed Over
02/24/2026
02/24/2026
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
Potential new amendment
114th General Assembly
Bill Summary
As introduced, increases the penalty for driving upon a highway without a valid driver license for the vehicle being driven from a Class C misdemeanor to a Class B misdemeanor for a first offense and a Class A misdemeanor for a second or subsequent offense committed within 10 years of a prior offense. - Amends TCA Title 39 and Title 55.
AI Summary
This bill increases the criminal penalties for driving on a highway without a valid driver's license. Currently, such an offense is a Class C misdemeanor, but the bill changes this to make it a Class B misdemeanor for a first offense and a Class A misdemeanor for a second or subsequent offense within 10 years. A Class B misdemeanor typically carries potential penalties of up to six months in jail and/or a fine, while a Class A misdemeanor can result in up to one year in jail and/or a higher fine. The bill specifically notes that convictions more than ten years old will not count towards the enhanced penalty for repeat offenses. The law will take effect on July 1, 2025, and will apply to offenses committed on or after that date. This change is intended to create a more stringent legal consequence for repeatedly driving without a valid license, potentially serving as a deterrent to such behavior and promoting road safety.
Committee Categories
Budget and Finance, Transportation and Infrastructure
Sponsors (7)
William Lamberth (R)*,
Fred Atchley (R),
John Crawford (R),
Clay Doggett (R),
John Gillespie (R),
Jake McCalmon (R),
Paul Sherrell (R),
Last Action
Received from House, Passed on First Consideration (on 02/26/2026)
bill text
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB0359&ga=114 |
| Fiscal Memo for HA0558 (11915) | https://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/114/Fiscal/FM1469.pdf |
| Amendment 1-0 to HB0359 | https://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/114/Amend/HA0558.pdf |
| Fiscal Note - HB0359 | https://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/114/Fiscal/HB0359.pdf |
| BillText | https://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/114/Bill/HB0359.pdf |
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