Bill > HB1353

This bill amends Tennessee law to expand protections for individuals involved in the judicial process by creating a new criminal offense that targets those who harm or threaten to harm judicial system participants or their family members with the intent to impede, intimidate, interfere with, or retaliate against them. The bill broadly defines "individual involved in the judicial process" to include a wide range of people such as witnesses, judges, court employees, district attorneys, law enforcement officers, clerks, jurors, public defenders, and their former counterparts. "Family member" is also comprehensively defined to include an individual's spouse, parents, grandparents, children, siblings, and their spouse's parents. The offense would be classified as a Class E felony, signaling the serious nature of attempting to obstruct or intimidate those participating in the judicial system. By providing legal protection for a broad range of judicial system participants and their family members, the bill aims to safeguard the integrity of judicial proceedings and ensure that individuals can participate in the legal process without fear of potential retaliation. 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=HB1353&ga=114