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Bill > HB1444
TN HB1444
TN HB1444AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 37 and Title 39, relative to cruelty to animals.
summary
Introduced
09/16/2025
09/16/2025
In Committee
01/14/2026
01/14/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
114th General Assembly
Bill Summary
As introduced, increases the penalty for aggravated cruelty to animals from a Class E felony to a Class D felony; adds aggravated cruelty to animals as an offense for which a juvenile may be classified as a serious youthful offender. - Amends TCA Title 37 and Title 39.
AI Summary
This bill increases the penalty for aggravated cruelty to animals in Tennessee by reclassifying it from a Class E felony to a Class D felony, meaning a more serious crime with potentially harsher punishments. Additionally, it allows juveniles who commit aggravated cruelty to animals to be classified as serious youthful offenders, which is a designation that can impact how they are treated within the juvenile justice system, potentially allowing for more severe sentencing options or interventions. This change is made by amending specific sections of Tennessee Code Annotated (TCA) related to both criminal offenses (Title 39) and juvenile justice (Title 37), and it will take effect on July 1, 2026.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Placed on s/c cal Criminal Justice Subcommittee for 3/4/2026 (on 02/25/2026)
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB1444&ga=114 |
| Fiscal Note - HB1444 | https://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/114/Fiscal/HB1444.pdf |
| BillText | https://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/114/Bill/HB1444.pdf |
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