Bill > SB1135

This bill modifies Tennessee's legal definition and handling of public nuisances, specifically focusing on properties where multiple serious criminal incidents occur within a specified timeframe. The legislation establishes that if a property experiences three or more unrelated incidents involving sexually-related, drug-related, assaultive, firearm-related, or property/juvenile-related charges within 24-36 months, it can be legally declared a nuisance. If such a nuisance is established and another incident occurs after an initial abatement order, the property owner may face additional penalties, including potential statutory damages ranging from $1,000 to $50,000 payable to neighboring property owners who can demonstrate a decrease in property value. The bill provides specific exemptions for certain types of facilities like healthcare providers, treatment centers, and educational institutions. The legislation defines precise legal criteria for what constitutes different types of criminal charges (such as "assaultive charge" or "drug-related charge") and sets clear parameters for how repeated criminal activity on a single property can be legally addressed. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and aims to provide local authorities with enhanced tools to address persistent criminal activity in specific locations.

Justice

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB1135&ga=114