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Bill > SB0678
TN SB0678
TN SB0678AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 39, Chapter 13, Part 5, relative to sexual offenses.
summary
Introduced
01/31/2025
01/31/2025
In Committee
Crossed Over
02/24/2025
02/24/2025
Passed
04/22/2025
04/22/2025
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
05/13/2025
05/13/2025
Introduced Session
114th General Assembly
Bill Summary
As enacted, provides that if the victim in an aggravated sexual battery was less than 18 or was mentally defective, mentally incapacitated, or physically helpless, then such battery remains a Class B felony, and the defendant must be punished as a Range II offender; provides that the sentence imposed upon the defendant may, if appropriate, be within Range III but in no case lower than Range II. - Amends TCA Title 39, Chapter 13, Part 5.
AI Summary
This bill amends Tennessee's criminal law regarding aggravated sexual battery by increasing the severity of punishment for cases involving victims under 18 years old or victims who are mentally defective, mentally incapacitated, or physically helpless. Specifically, while the offense remains classified as a Class B felony, the bill mandates that defendants must be punished as a Range II offender, with the potential for sentencing within Range III but not lower than Range II. (In Tennessee's criminal justice system, "Range" refers to sentencing guidelines that determine the severity and duration of punishment based on the specific circumstances of the crime and the offender's criminal history.) The bill will take effect on July 1, 2025, and aims to provide stricter sentencing for sexual offenses involving particularly vulnerable victims. By ensuring that such cases are treated with heightened legal consequences, the legislation seeks to offer greater protection and justice for victims who are unable to provide meaningful consent or are especially susceptible to sexual assault.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (5)
Last Action
Effective date(s) 07/01/2025 (on 05/13/2025)
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=SB0678&ga=114 |
| Amendment 1-0 to HB1352 | https://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/114/Amend/HA0374.pdf |
| Fiscal Memo for HA0374 (5267) | https://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/114/Fiscal/FM0714.pdf |
| BillText | https://publications.tnsosfiles.com/acts/114/pub/pc0375.pdf |
| Fiscal Note - SB0678 | https://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/114/Fiscal/SB0678.pdf |
| BillText | https://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/114/Bill/SB0678.pdf |
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