Tennessee Implements 177 New Laws Affecting Education and Public Safety

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — On July 1, Tennessee will introduce 177 new laws that cover a wide array of topics, including education, women’s health, and public safety. These laws result from legislation debated during the recent sessions.

Significantly, this includes the implementation of universal school vouchers and immigration reforms that were finalized during a special session in January. The sweeping legislation aims to address issues affecting the criminal justice system, child care, and foster care.

Among the new laws, one notably increases penalties for child abuse involving victims aged 9 to 17. Offenders will now face a Class E felony, with penalties reaching up to six years in prison and fines up to $3,000. This change comes after reports showing an average of over 300 convictions for child abuse in the past five years.

Another critical law tightens restrictions on the sale of hemp-derived products to minors. Offenders will now face mandatory jail time of at least 48 hours, along with fines ranging from $500 to $2,500. Retailers will also be held accountable for ensuring that these products remain inaccessible to underage employees.

The law takes a strong stance against voyeurism, updating penalties for non-consensual photography and requiring sex-offender registration for offenders. With these adjustments, taking intimate photos without consent will now result in a Class E felony, while sharing such images involving minors will yield harsher Class D felony charges.

Additionally, Tennessee will extend services to young adults in the foster care program up to 23 years old, acknowledging the challenges many face when transitioning out of state custody.

Other changes include a Class B misdemeanor for pointing laser devices at moving vehicles, enhancing penalties for organized retail crime, and requiring that all hospitals provide new mothers with essential post-birth information.

These new laws reflect Tennessee’s commitment to public safety and child protection while also aiming to improve educational options for families across the state.

As more of these laws take effect, officials emphasize the importance of community awareness and compliance to ensure their successful implementation.