Bill > SB1399

This bill amends Tennessee's criminal law to expand protections for individuals involved in the judicial process by creating a new criminal offense. Specifically, the bill makes it illegal to harm or threaten to harm a person involved in the judicial process or their family member with the intent to impede, intimidate, interfere with, or retaliate against their participation in the judicial process. The bill provides a broad definition of "individual involved in the judicial process," which includes witnesses, judges, court employees, district attorneys, assistant district attorneys, law enforcement officers, clerks, jurors, public defenders, and their employees, both current and former. "Family member" is also comprehensively defined to include spouse, parent, grandparent, child, sibling, and other close relatives. The offense would be classified as a Class E felony, meaning it carries significant potential criminal penalties. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and aims to protect the integrity of the judicial system by discouraging intimidation or interference with judicial process participants.

Justice

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB1399&ga=114