Bill > HB0370

This bill amends Tennessee's harassment law by expanding the definition of "communicate" in the state's criminal code. Specifically, the bill adds "contacting a person in the physical presence of the person" to the existing definition, which previously only covered communication through writing, telephone, electronic means, and various technological channels. The updated definition now explicitly includes verbal and nonverbal communication that occurs directly in front of the victim, as well as maintaining the existing broad list of communication methods such as text messages, social media posts, electronic mail, instant messages, and various forms of digital and analog communication like flyers, voice recordings, and images. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and aims to provide a more comprehensive legal framework for defining harassment by recognizing in-person communication as a potential form of harassment alongside existing electronic and written forms of communication.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB0370&ga=114