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TN SB0375
TN SB0375AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 39 and Title 55, relative to criminal offenses involving driving.
summary
Introduced
01/28/2025
01/28/2025
In Committee
Crossed Over
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 without a valid driver's license in Tennessee. Specifically, the legislation amends existing law to change the classification of driving without a license from a Class C misdemeanor to a Class B misdemeanor for a first offense, and to a Class A misdemeanor for a second or subsequent offense within a 10-year period. The bill clarifies that convictions more than 10 years old will not count towards enhancement of the penalty, and it specifically excludes certain violations related to § 55-50-351 from these new penalty provisions. The changes will take effect on July 1, 2025, and will apply to acts committed on or after that date. In practical terms, this means drivers caught driving without a valid license will face more serious criminal charges and potential consequences, such as higher fines and potentially longer jail times, with increased penalties for repeat offenders within a decade.
Committee Categories
Budget and Finance, Transportation and Infrastructure
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Placed on Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee calendar for 3/24/2026 (on 03/17/2026)
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=SB0375&ga=114 |
| Amendment 1-0 to HB0359 | https://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/114/Amend/HA0558.pdf |
| Fiscal Memo for HA0558 (11915) | https://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/114/Fiscal/FM1469.pdf |
| Fiscal Note - HB0359 | https://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/114/Fiscal/HB0359.pdf |
| BillText | https://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/114/Bill/SB0375.pdf |
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