Bill > HB0578

This bill amends Tennessee's criminal code to expand the definition of "dangerous felonies" for the purpose of firearm possession offenses. Specifically, the bill updates Section 39-17-1324 by replacing the existing list of dangerous felonies with a more comprehensive catalog that includes 30 specific criminal offenses such as murder, kidnapping, human trafficking, robbery, rape, sexual battery, aggravated burglary, stalking, and drug-related crimes. The bill also adds a new provision that allows lesser included offenses of a dangerous felony to be considered dangerous felonies if they meet the definition, which could potentially broaden the scope of prosecutorial options. This means that even if someone is charged with a slightly different version of a listed dangerous felony, they could still face enhanced penalties related to firearm possession during the commission of a crime. The changes will take effect on July 1, 2025, giving legal systems time to prepare for the updated statute. The overall intent appears to be strengthening legal consequences for serious criminal activities by expanding the range of offenses that can trigger specific legal penalties.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB0578&ga=114