Bill > SB1938

This bill amends Tennessee law to increase penalties for violating lifetime orders of protection, which are court orders designed to protect victims from abuse. Specifically, it elevates the offense of violating a lifetime order of protection from a misdemeanor (a less serious crime) to a Class E felony (a more serious crime) if the original conviction that led to the lifetime order involved the use of force against a victim. A "lifetime order of protection" is a permanent court order issued to safeguard individuals from domestic violence or other forms of abuse. The bill also clarifies that this enhanced penalty applies to violations of subsection (a) of Section 39-13-113, with a specific exception for certain situations. Additionally, it expands the types of out-of-state felony offenses that can be the basis for issuing a lifetime order of protection in Tennessee, ensuring that similar serious crimes committed elsewhere are recognized. The enhanced penalties for violating lifetime orders of protection will take effect on July 1, 2026, while the provisions regarding out-of-state offenses will take effect immediately upon becoming law.

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https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB1938&ga=114