Bill > HB1624

This bill creates a new criminal offense for knowingly violating a "no contact order," which is a court order prohibiting contact with a specific person. This applies to no contact orders issued either before a defendant is released on bond after being arrested for a domestic abuse offense, or as part of a defendant's sentence, probation, or parole after being convicted of a domestic abuse offense. The bill defines a "domestic abuse victim" by referencing another section of Tennessee law (§ 36-3-601). Violating such an order would be classified as a Class A misdemeanor, which is a serious but less severe criminal offense than a felony, and carries penalties such as fines and jail time. The bill also amends existing law to ensure this new offense covers violations that occur after arrest or conviction, and it is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.