Bill

Bill > HB1352


TN HB1352

TN HB1352
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 39, Chapter 13, Part 5, relative to sexual offenses.


summary

Introduced
02/06/2025
In Committee
04/09/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
05/13/2025
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
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 modifies Tennessee's law on 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. Currently, aggravated sexual battery is a Class B felony, but under this proposed legislation, while the classification remains a Class B felony, the sentencing requirements would change. Specifically, defendants in such cases would be required to be punished as a Range II offender, with the possibility of sentencing within Range III, but never below Range II. This means the bill aims to ensure more stringent sentencing for sexual battery crimes against vulnerable victims by mandating a higher minimum sentencing range. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and applies to Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 39-13-504, which deals with sexual offenses. The change reflects a legislative intent to impose stricter penalties for sexual crimes against minors and individuals who cannot provide meaningful consent due to mental or physical limitations.

Committee Categories

Justice

Sponsors (7)

Last Action

Comp. became Pub. Ch. 375 (on 05/13/2025)

bill text


bill summary

Loading...

bill summary

Loading...
Loading...