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TN HB2264

TN HB2264
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 39 and Title 40, relative to criminal offenses.


summary

Introduced
02/02/2026
In Committee
02/05/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

114th General Assembly

Bill Summary

As introduced, creates the Class B misdemeanor offense of interfering with a religious institution if a person acts to intentionally obstruct, disturb, or interfere with the activities of the religious institution by making an utterance, gesture, or display in a manner that is offensive to the sensibilities of an ordinary person, either within the place where the meeting is held or so near it as to disturb the order and solemnity of the activities; defines "religious institution" as a church, temple, synagogue, mosque, or other place of worship. - Amends TCA Title 39 and Title 40.

AI Summary

This bill creates a new criminal offense called "interfering with a religious institution," which is classified as a Class B misdemeanor, meaning it carries a penalty of up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $500. The offense is committed by someone who intentionally obstructs, disturbs, or interferes with the activities of a religious institution through offensive utterances, gestures, or displays that would offend an ordinary person, either inside the place of worship or nearby, disrupting its order and solemnity. The bill defines "religious institution" broadly to include churches, temples, synagogues, mosques, and any other place of worship. This legislation aims to protect the peaceful conduct of religious services and gatherings.

Committee Categories

Justice

Sponsors (18)

Last Action

Placed on s/c cal Criminal Justice Subcommittee for 3/4/2026 (on 02/25/2026)

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