Bill
Bill > HB1542
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
03/04/2026
03/04/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
114th General Assembly
Bill Summary
As introduced, prohibits the use of a telecommunication device, with intent to deprive the owner of property, to fraudulently obtain or exercise control over the property of another without the owner's effective consent, which is punishable as theft, but in no event less than a Class E felony. - Amends TCA Title 39.
AI Summary
This bill establishes a new crime called "telecommunication fraud" in Tennessee, which occurs when someone uses a phone or similar device, with the intention of taking someone else's property, to trick that person into giving up their property without their real permission. This new offense is treated as theft, and importantly, it will always be considered at least a Class E felony, which is a serious level of criminal offense, meaning the minimum punishment will be more severe than for some other theft charges. The bill also clarifies that a "telecommunication device" is defined as it is in another existing law related to fraud.
Committee Categories
Budget and Finance, Justice
Sponsors (31)
Fred Atchley (R)*,
Charlie Baum (R),
Rush Bricken (R),
Kip Capley (R),
Michele Carringer (R),
Mark Cochran (R),
Tandy Darby (R),
Vincent Dixie (D),
Rick Eldridge (R),
Andrew Farmer (R),
Ron Gant (R),
Johnny Garrett (R),
John Gillespie (R),
Michael Hale (R),
David Hawk (R),
Caleb Hemmer (D),
Timothy Hill (R),
Dan Howell (R),
Mary Littleton (R),
Pat Marsh (R),
Greg Martin (R),
Bo Mitchell (D),
Dennis Powers (R),
Michele Reneau (R),
Tim Rudd (R),
Richard Scarbrough (R),
Paul Sherrell (R),
William Slater (R),
Tom Stinnett (R),
Chris Todd (R),
Todd Warner (R),
Last Action
Taken off notice for cal in s/c Finance, Ways, and Means Subcommittee of Finance, Ways, and Means Committee (on 04/15/2026)
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=HB1542&ga=114 |
| Fiscal Note - HB1542 | https://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/114/Fiscal/HB1542.pdf |
| BillText | https://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/114/Bill/HB1542.pdf |
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