Bill > SB0685

This bill strengthens Tennessee's laws on unlawful photography by expanding the definition of the offense and increasing potential penalties. The legislation broadens the circumstances under which taking a non-consensual photograph can be considered a crime, including situations where the image would embarrass an ordinary person, was taken for sexual gratification, or focuses on intimate areas without consent. The bill creates three distinct categories of unlawful photography offenses, with varying levels of severity based on the circumstances. Notably, the bill mandates that individuals convicted of certain unlawful photography offenses must register as sexual offenders, removing previous judicial discretion. The penalties range from Class E to Class C felonies, with more severe classifications applied when the victim is a minor under 13 or when the perpetrator is in a position of trust or has supervisory power over the victim. The law will take effect on July 1, 2025, and will apply to acts committed on or after that date, giving law enforcement and the public time to understand the new provisions. The bill aims to provide stronger legal protections against invasive and inappropriate photography, particularly in situations involving potential sexual exploitation or harassment.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB0685&ga=114