Bill > SB1296

This bill creates two new criminal offenses in Tennessee law: threatening mass violence and maliciously posting an individual's personal contact information online. For the mass violence offense, the bill defines "mass violence" as an act that could reasonably lead to serious bodily injury or death of four or more people, and makes it a Class E felony to knowingly threaten such an act through any communication method. The offense can be elevated to a Class D felony if the threat involves a school, place of worship, government property, live event, or if the defendant takes substantial preparatory steps toward executing the threat. The bill also establishes a new crime of posting someone's telephone number or home address on a public website with intent to cause harm, which is initially a Class B misdemeanor but can become a Class A misdemeanor if actual harm results to the targeted individual or their family. The legislation specifically exempts public servants posting such information as part of their official duties. These new provisions are aimed at protecting individuals from threats and potential violence by criminalizing specific threatening behaviors and online harassment. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB1296&ga=114