Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-15-402 — TN Code / Title 39 / Chapter 15 / Section 39-15-402
Haley's Law - Aggravated child abuse and aggravated child neglect or endangerment - Definitions
Status: in_force

(a) A person commits the offense of aggravated child abuse, aggravated child neglect or aggravated child endangerment, who commits child abuse, as defined in § 39-15-401(a) ; child neglect, as defined in § 39-15-401(b) ; or child endangerment, as defined in § 39-15-401(c) and: (1) The act of abuse, neglect or endangerment results in serious bodily injury to the child; (2) A deadly weapon, dangerous instrumentality, controlled substance or controlled substance analogue is used to accomplish the act of abuse, neglect or endangerment; (3) The act of abuse, neglect or endangerment was especially heinous, atrocious or cruel, or involved the infliction of torture to the victim; or (4) The act of abuse, neglect or endangerment results from the knowing exposure of a child to the initiation of a process intended to result in the manufacture of methamphetamine as described in § 39-17-435 . (b) A violation of this section is a Class B felony; provided, however, that, if the abused, neglected or endangered child is eight (8) years of age or less, or is vulnerable because the victim is mentally defective, mentally incapacitated or suffers from a physical disability, the penalty is a Class A felony. (c) "Serious bodily injury to the child" includes, but is not limited to, second- or third-degree burns, a fracture of any bone, a concussion, subdural or subarachnoid bleeding, retinal hemorrhage, cerebral edema, brain contusion, injuries to the skin that involve severe bruising or the likelihood of permanent or protracted disfigurement, including those sustained by whipping children with objects and acts of female genital mutilation as defined in § 39-13-110 . (d) A "dangerous instrumentality" is any item that, in the manner of its use or intended use as applied to a child, is capable of producing serious bodily injury to a child, as serious bodily injury to a child is defined in this section. (e) This section shall be known and may be cited as "Haley's Law". (f) The court may, in addition to any other punishment otherwise authorized by law, order a person convicted of aggravated child abuse to refrain from having any contact with the victim of the offense, including, but not limited to, attempted contact through internet services or social networking websites; provided, that the person has no parental rights to such victim at the time of the court's order. Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 268,s 3, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 951,s 1, eff. 7/1/2016. Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1; 1994, ch. 978, §§ 2, 8; 1996, ch. 1069, § 1; 1998, ch. 1040, § 1; 2005, ch. 487, § 2; 2009, ch. 88, § 1; 2009, ch. 89, § 1; 2009, ch. 418, § 2; 2011, ch. 292, §§ 5-7; 2011, ch. 313, § 2; 2012, ch. 848, § 14.
(a) A person commits the offense of aggravated child abuse, aggravated child neglect or aggravated child endangerment, who commits child abuse, as defined in § 39-15-401(a) ; child neglect, as defined in § 39-15-401(b) ; or child endangerment, as defined in § 39-15-401(c) and: (1) The act of abuse, neglect or endangerment results in serious bodily injury to the child; (2) A deadly weapon, dangerous instrumentality, controlled substance or controlled substance analogue is used to accomplish the act of abuse, neglect or endangerment; (3) The act of abuse, neglect or endangerment was especially heinous, atrocious or cruel, or involved the infliction of torture to the victim; or (4) The act of abuse, neglect or endangerment results from the knowing exposure of a child to the initiation of a process intended to result in the manufacture of methamphetamine as described in § 39-17-435 .
(1) The act of abuse, neglect or endangerment results in serious bodily injury to the child;
(2) A deadly weapon, dangerous instrumentality, controlled substance or controlled substance analogue is used to accomplish the act of abuse, neglect or endangerment;
(3) The act of abuse, neglect or endangerment was especially heinous, atrocious or cruel, or involved the infliction of torture to the victim; or
(4) The act of abuse, neglect or endangerment results from the knowing exposure of a child to the initiation of a process intended to result in the manufacture of methamphetamine as described in § 39-17-435 .
(b) A violation of this section is a Class B felony; provided, however, that, if the abused, neglected or endangered child is eight (8) years of age or less, or is vulnerable because the victim is mentally defective, mentally incapacitated or suffers from a physical disability, the penalty is a Class A felony.
(c) "Serious bodily injury to the child" includes, but is not limited to, second- or third-degree burns, a fracture of any bone, a concussion, subdural or subarachnoid bleeding, retinal hemorrhage, cerebral edema, brain contusion, injuries to the skin that involve severe bruising or the likelihood of permanent or protracted disfigurement, including those sustained by whipping children with objects and acts of female genital mutilation as defined in § 39-13-110 .
(d) A "dangerous instrumentality" is any item that, in the manner of its use or intended use as applied to a child, is capable of producing serious bodily injury to a child, as serious bodily injury to a child is defined in this section.
(e) This section shall be known and may be cited as "Haley's Law".
(f) The court may, in addition to any other punishment otherwise authorized by law, order a person convicted of aggravated child abuse to refrain from having any contact with the victim of the offense, including, but not limited to, attempted contact through internet services or social networking websites; provided, that the person has no parental rights to such victim at the time of the court's order.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 268,s 3, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 951,s 1, eff. 7/1/2016.
Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1; 1994, ch. 978, §§ 2, 8; 1996, ch. 1069, § 1; 1998, ch. 1040, § 1; 2005, ch. 487, § 2; 2009, ch. 88, § 1; 2009, ch. 89, § 1; 2009, ch. 418, § 2; 2011, ch. 292, §§ 5-7; 2011, ch. 313, § 2; 2012, ch. 848, § 14.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-14-407 — TN Code / Title 39 / Chapter 14 / Section 39-14-407
Trespass by motor vehicle
Status: in_force

(a) Any person who drives, parks, stands, or otherwise operates a motor vehicle on, through or within a parking area, driving area or roadway located on privately owned property which is provided for use by patrons, customers or employees of business establishments upon that property, or adjoining property or for use otherwise in connection with activities conducted upon that property, or adjoining property, after the person has been requested or ordered to leave the property or to cease doing any of the foregoing actions commits a Class C misdemeanor with no incarceration permitted. A request or order under this section may be given by a law enforcement officer or by the owner, lessee, or other person having the right to the use or control of the property, or any authorized agent or representative thereof, including, but not limited to, private security guards hired to patrol the property. (b) As used in this section, "motor vehicle" includes an automobile, truck, van, bus, recreational vehicle, camper, motorcycle, motor bike, moped, go-cart, all terrain vehicle, dune buggy, and any other vehicle propelled by motor. (c) A property owner, lessee or other person having the right to the use or control of property may post signs or other notices upon a parking area, driving area or roadway giving notice of this section and warning that violators will be prosecuted; provided, that the posting of signs or notices shall not be a requirement to prosecution under this section and failure to post signs or notices shall not be a defense to prosecution hereunder. Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1.
(a) Any person who drives, parks, stands, or otherwise operates a motor vehicle on, through or within a parking area, driving area or roadway located on privately owned property which is provided for use by patrons, customers or employees of business establishments upon that property, or adjoining property or for use otherwise in connection with activities conducted upon that property, or adjoining property, after the person has been requested or ordered to leave the property or to cease doing any of the foregoing actions commits a Class C misdemeanor with no incarceration permitted. A request or order under this section may be given by a law enforcement officer or by the owner, lessee, or other person having the right to the use or control of the property, or any authorized agent or representative thereof, including, but not limited to, private security guards hired to patrol the property.
(b) As used in this section, "motor vehicle" includes an automobile, truck, van, bus, recreational vehicle, camper, motorcycle, motor bike, moped, go-cart, all terrain vehicle, dune buggy, and any other vehicle propelled by motor.
(c) A property owner, lessee or other person having the right to the use or control of property may post signs or other notices upon a parking area, driving area or roadway giving notice of this section and warning that violators will be prosecuted; provided, that the posting of signs or notices shall not be a requirement to prosecution under this section and failure to post signs or notices shall not be a defense to prosecution hereunder.
Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-15-102 — TN Code / Title 39 / Chapter 15 / Section 39-15-102
Jurisdiction
Status: in_force

(a) The juvenile court is vested with jurisdiction to: (1) Try, determine, and render final judgment in all misdemeanor cases under § 39-15-101 where the person enters a plea of guilty, nolo contendere, or not guilty and expressly waives indictment, presentment, grand jury investigation, and jury trial in writing. In such cases, the trial shall proceed before the court without the intervention of a jury; (2) Conduct preliminary hearings in all felony cases under § 39-15-101(d) , and if the court finds probable cause and in all other cases where the person pleads not guilty to a felony charge or does not waive the right to a jury trial, bind the person over for the action of the grand jury under appropriate bond; and (3) Regardless of whether the person is tried in juvenile court or bound over, enter an order of protection and assistance which may require the person to: (A) Stay away from the home, dependent child or spouse; (B) Permit the defendant visitation with the child or children at reasonable or stated periods; (C) Abstain from offensive conduct against the dependent child or spouse or from other acts which tend to make the home an unfit place for the dependent person to live; or (D) Give proper attention to the care of the home. (b) (1) In all cases where the person pleads or is found guilty of a misdemeanor under § 39-15-101(a) , the court shall sentence the person in accordance with title 40, chapter 35, and enter appropriate orders of support, protection or assistance. (2) In the event the person's sentence is suspended, the court may require the person to give security by bond with sufficient sureties approved by the court for the payment of the order of support. Should the court subsequently find the person is able to comply with the order and fails to do so, the bond shall be forfeited and the proceeds paid into the court to be applied to the order of support, and the person shall be brought immediately before the court for enforcement of the sentence. (c) In all cases where the person is bound over to the grand jury, the criminal court shall enforce any order of protection and assistance entered by the juvenile court, and may, if the person is convicted, include the order or modification of the order as part of the judgment and sentence. Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1.
(a) The juvenile court is vested with jurisdiction to: (1) Try, determine, and render final judgment in all misdemeanor cases under § 39-15-101 where the person enters a plea of guilty, nolo contendere, or not guilty and expressly waives indictment, presentment, grand jury investigation, and jury trial in writing. In such cases, the trial shall proceed before the court without the intervention of a jury; (2) Conduct preliminary hearings in all felony cases under § 39-15-101(d) , and if the court finds probable cause and in all other cases where the person pleads not guilty to a felony charge or does not waive the right to a jury trial, bind the person over for the action of the grand jury under appropriate bond; and (3) Regardless of whether the person is tried in juvenile court or bound over, enter an order of protection and assistance which may require the person to: (A) Stay away from the home, dependent child or spouse; (B) Permit the defendant visitation with the child or children at reasonable or stated periods; (C) Abstain from offensive conduct against the dependent child or spouse or from other acts which tend to make the home an unfit place for the dependent person to live; or (D) Give proper attention to the care of the home.
(1) Try, determine, and render final judgment in all misdemeanor cases under § 39-15-101 where the person enters a plea of guilty, nolo contendere, or not guilty and expressly waives indictment, presentment, grand jury investigation, and jury trial in writing. In such cases, the trial shall proceed before the court without the intervention of a jury;
(2) Conduct preliminary hearings in all felony cases under § 39-15-101(d) , and if the court finds probable cause and in all other cases where the person pleads not guilty to a felony charge or does not waive the right to a jury trial, bind the person over for the action of the grand jury under appropriate bond; and
(3) Regardless of whether the person is tried in juvenile court or bound over, enter an order of protection and assistance which may require the person to: (A) Stay away from the home, dependent child or spouse; (B) Permit the defendant visitation with the child or children at reasonable or stated periods; (C) Abstain from offensive conduct against the dependent child or spouse or from other acts which tend to make the home an unfit place for the dependent person to live; or (D) Give proper attention to the care of the home.
(A) Stay away from the home, dependent child or spouse;
(B) Permit the defendant visitation with the child or children at reasonable or stated periods;
(C) Abstain from offensive conduct against the dependent child or spouse or from other acts which tend to make the home an unfit place for the dependent person to live; or
(D) Give proper attention to the care of the home.
(b) (1) In all cases where the person pleads or is found guilty of a misdemeanor under § 39-15-101(a) , the court shall sentence the person in accordance with title 40, chapter 35, and enter appropriate orders of support, protection or assistance. (2) In the event the person's sentence is suspended, the court may require the person to give security by bond with sufficient sureties approved by the court for the payment of the order of support. Should the court subsequently find the person is able to comply with the order and fails to do so, the bond shall be forfeited and the proceeds paid into the court to be applied to the order of support, and the person shall be brought immediately before the court for enforcement of the sentence.
(1) In all cases where the person pleads or is found guilty of a misdemeanor under § 39-15-101(a) , the court shall sentence the person in accordance with title 40, chapter 35, and enter appropriate orders of support, protection or assistance.
(2) In the event the person's sentence is suspended, the court may require the person to give security by bond with sufficient sureties approved by the court for the payment of the order of support. Should the court subsequently find the person is able to comply with the order and fails to do so, the bond shall be forfeited and the proceeds paid into the court to be applied to the order of support, and the person shall be brought immediately before the court for enforcement of the sentence.
(c) In all cases where the person is bound over to the grand jury, the criminal court shall enforce any order of protection and assistance entered by the juvenile court, and may, if the person is convicted, include the order or modification of the order as part of the judgment and sentence.
Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-14-140 — TN Code / Title 39 / Chapter 14 / Section 39-14-140
Forfeiture
Status: in_force

Any electronic or communications equipment, and any other devices used, sold, transferred or possessed to violate this part are considered contraband subject to seizure and forfeiture under the same procedures used for the forfeiture of conveyances pursuant to title 40, chapter 33. Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1; 2009, ch. 408, § 3.
Any electronic or communications equipment, and any other devices used, sold, transferred or possessed to violate this part are considered contraband subject to seizure and forfeiture under the same procedures used for the forfeiture of conveyances pursuant to title 40, chapter 33.
Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1; 2009, ch. 408, § 3.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-14-130 — TN Code / Title 39 / Chapter 14 / Section 39-14-130
Destruction of valuable papers with intent to defraud
Status: in_force

(a) Any person who takes or destroys any valuable papers with intent to injure or defraud shall be punished as if for theft. If the value of the papers is not ascertainable, the offense is a Class A misdemeanor. (b) For the purposes of this section, "valuable papers" includes: (1) Any bond, promissory note, bill of exchange, order, or certificate; (2) Any book of accounts respecting goods, money or other things; (3) Any deed or contract in force; (4) Any receipt, release, or defeasant; (5) Any instrument of writing whereby any demand, right or obligation is created, ascertained, increased, extinguished or diminished; or (6) Any other valuable paper writing. Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1.
(a) Any person who takes or destroys any valuable papers with intent to injure or defraud shall be punished as if for theft. If the value of the papers is not ascertainable, the offense is a Class A misdemeanor.
(b) For the purposes of this section, "valuable papers" includes: (1) Any bond, promissory note, bill of exchange, order, or certificate; (2) Any book of accounts respecting goods, money or other things; (3) Any deed or contract in force; (4) Any receipt, release, or defeasant; (5) Any instrument of writing whereby any demand, right or obligation is created, ascertained, increased, extinguished or diminished; or (6) Any other valuable paper writing.
(1) Any bond, promissory note, bill of exchange, order, or certificate;
(2) Any book of accounts respecting goods, money or other things;
(3) Any deed or contract in force;
(4) Any receipt, release, or defeasant;
(5) Any instrument of writing whereby any demand, right or obligation is created, ascertained, increased, extinguished or diminished; or
(6) Any other valuable paper writing.
Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-607 — TN Code / Title 39 / Chapter 17 / Section 39-17-607
Fraud
Status: in_force

(a) It is an offense for any person to falsely make, alter, forge, pass or counterfeit a state lottery ticket with the intent to defraud. (b) It is an offense for any person to knowingly influence, or attempt to influence, the winning of a prize through the use of coercion, fraud, deception, or tampering with lottery equipment or materials. (c) (1) A violation of subsection (a) is a Class D felony; provided, however, that the maximum fine shall be fifty thousand dollars ($50,000). (2) A violation of subsection (b) is a Class C felony; provided, however, that the maximum fine shall be one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000). Acts 2003, ch. 297, § 8.
(a) It is an offense for any person to falsely make, alter, forge, pass or counterfeit a state lottery ticket with the intent to defraud.
(b) It is an offense for any person to knowingly influence, or attempt to influence, the winning of a prize through the use of coercion, fraud, deception, or tampering with lottery equipment or materials.
(c) (1) A violation of subsection (a) is a Class D felony; provided, however, that the maximum fine shall be fifty thousand dollars ($50,000). (2) A violation of subsection (b) is a Class C felony; provided, however, that the maximum fine shall be one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000).
(1) A violation of subsection (a) is a Class D felony; provided, however, that the maximum fine shall be fifty thousand dollars ($50,000).
(2) A violation of subsection (b) is a Class C felony; provided, however, that the maximum fine shall be one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000).
Acts 2003, ch. 297, § 8.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-15-203 — TN Code / Title 39 / Chapter 15 / Section 39-15-203
Records and reports of abortions - Disposition of aborted fetus or aborted fetal tissue - Method of disposition - Confidentiality
Status: in_force

(a) A physician performing an abortion shall keep a record of each procedure and of the disposition of the aborted fetus or aborted fetal tissue. The physician shall make a report to the commissioner of health with respect thereto at the time and in the form as the commissioner may reasonably prescribe. If the procedure is solely a medication termination and the expulsion of the aborted fetus or aborted fetal tissue does not take place at the facility or clinic where the procedure took place, the physician shall not be required to keep a record of the disposition or report such disposition to the commissioner. (b) (1) The physician shall note in the section regarding the disposition of the aborted fetus or aborted fetal tissue the method of disposition. (2) If the aborted fetus or aborted fetal tissue is transferred to a third party for disposition, the name and address of that third party, and the date of the transfer, shall be included on the report. (3) If an ultrasound was performed prior to the induced termination of pregnancy, the report shall also indicate whether or not a heartbeat was detected. (c) The method of disposition of an aborted fetus or aborted fetal tissue must comply with § 39-15-219 . (d) Each record and report made pursuant to this section shall be confidential in nature and shall not be public record open for inspection. (e) The department of health shall collect the reports submitted pursuant to this section and report quarterly the number of abortions performed in this state to the governor, the speaker of the senate, the speaker of the house of representatives, and the chairs of the health and welfare committee of the senate and the health committee of the house of representatives no later than January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1 of each year. Any cost associated with implementing this subsection (e) must be provided from within existing resources of the department of health. Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 313, s 8, eff. 4/28/2023. Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 348, s 3, eff. 5/6/2021. Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 862, s 1, eff. 1/1/2019. Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1003, s 1, eff. 4/27/2016. Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1.
(a) A physician performing an abortion shall keep a record of each procedure and of the disposition of the aborted fetus or aborted fetal tissue. The physician shall make a report to the commissioner of health with respect thereto at the time and in the form as the commissioner may reasonably prescribe. If the procedure is solely a medication termination and the expulsion of the aborted fetus or aborted fetal tissue does not take place at the facility or clinic where the procedure took place, the physician shall not be required to keep a record of the disposition or report such disposition to the commissioner.
(b) (1) The physician shall note in the section regarding the disposition of the aborted fetus or aborted fetal tissue the method of disposition. (2) If the aborted fetus or aborted fetal tissue is transferred to a third party for disposition, the name and address of that third party, and the date of the transfer, shall be included on the report. (3) If an ultrasound was performed prior to the induced termination of pregnancy, the report shall also indicate whether or not a heartbeat was detected.
(1) The physician shall note in the section regarding the disposition of the aborted fetus or aborted fetal tissue the method of disposition.
(2) If the aborted fetus or aborted fetal tissue is transferred to a third party for disposition, the name and address of that third party, and the date of the transfer, shall be included on the report.
(3) If an ultrasound was performed prior to the induced termination of pregnancy, the report shall also indicate whether or not a heartbeat was detected.
(c) The method of disposition of an aborted fetus or aborted fetal tissue must comply with § 39-15-219 .
(d) Each record and report made pursuant to this section shall be confidential in nature and shall not be public record open for inspection.
(e) The department of health shall collect the reports submitted pursuant to this section and report quarterly the number of abortions performed in this state to the governor, the speaker of the senate, the speaker of the house of representatives, and the chairs of the health and welfare committee of the senate and the health committee of the house of representatives no later than January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1 of each year. Any cost associated with implementing this subsection (e) must be provided from within existing resources of the department of health.
Amended by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 313, s 8, eff. 4/28/2023.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 348, s 3, eff. 5/6/2021.
Amended by 2018 Tenn. Acts, ch. 862, s 1, eff. 1/1/2019.
Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1003, s 1, eff. 4/27/2016.
Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-1321 — TN Code / Title 39 / Chapter 17 / Section 39-17-1321
Possession of handgun while under influence - Penalty
Status: in_force

(a) Notwithstanding whether a person has a permit issued pursuant to § 39-17-1315 or § 39-17-1351 or § 39-17-1366 , it is an offense for a person to possess a handgun while under the influence of alcohol or any controlled substance or controlled substance analogue. (b) It is an offense for a person to possess a firearm if the person is both: (1) Within the confines of an establishment open to the public where liquor, wine or other alcoholic beverages, as defined in § 57-3-101(a) , or beer, as defined in § 57-6-102 , are served for consumption on the premises; and (2) Consuming any alcoholic beverage listed in subdivision (b)(1). (c) (1) A violation of this section is a Class A misdemeanor. (2) In addition to the punishment authorized by subdivision (c)(1), if the violation is of subsection (a), occurs in an establishment described in subdivision (b)(1), and the person has a handgun permit issued pursuant to § 39-17-1351 or § 39-17-1366 , such permit shall be suspended in accordance with § 39-17-1352 for a period of three (3) years. Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 479, s 16, eff. 1/1/2020. Acts 1994, ch. 943, § 10; 1997 , ch. 476, § 4; 2010 , ch. 1009, § 2; 2012 , ch. 848, § 22.
(a) Notwithstanding whether a person has a permit issued pursuant to § 39-17-1315 or § 39-17-1351 or § 39-17-1366 , it is an offense for a person to possess a handgun while under the influence of alcohol or any controlled substance or controlled substance analogue.
(b) It is an offense for a person to possess a firearm if the person is both: (1) Within the confines of an establishment open to the public where liquor, wine or other alcoholic beverages, as defined in § 57-3-101(a) , or beer, as defined in § 57-6-102 , are served for consumption on the premises; and (2) Consuming any alcoholic beverage listed in subdivision (b)(1).
(1) Within the confines of an establishment open to the public where liquor, wine or other alcoholic beverages, as defined in § 57-3-101(a) , or beer, as defined in § 57-6-102 , are served for consumption on the premises; and
(2) Consuming any alcoholic beverage listed in subdivision (b)(1).
(c) (1) A violation of this section is a Class A misdemeanor. (2) In addition to the punishment authorized by subdivision (c)(1), if the violation is of subsection (a), occurs in an establishment described in subdivision (b)(1), and the person has a handgun permit issued pursuant to § 39-17-1351 or § 39-17-1366 , such permit shall be suspended in accordance with § 39-17-1352 for a period of three (3) years.
(1) A violation of this section is a Class A misdemeanor.
(2) In addition to the punishment authorized by subdivision (c)(1), if the violation is of subsection (a), occurs in an establishment described in subdivision (b)(1), and the person has a handgun permit issued pursuant to § 39-17-1351 or § 39-17-1366 , such permit shall be suspended in accordance with § 39-17-1352 for a period of three (3) years.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 479, s 16, eff. 1/1/2020.
Acts 1994, ch. 943, § 10; 1997 , ch. 476, § 4; 2010 , ch. 1009, § 2; 2012 , ch. 848, § 22.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-13-104 — TN Code / Title 39 / Chapter 13 / Section 39-13-104
Effective consent
Status: in_force

When conduct is charged to constitute an offense under this part because it causes or threatens bodily injury, effective consent to such conduct or to the infliction of such injury is a defense, if: (1) The bodily injury consented to or threatened by the conduct consented to is not serious bodily injury; or (2) The conduct and the harm are reasonably foreseeable hazards: (A) Of joint participation in a lawful athletic contest or competitive sport; or (B) For any concerted activity of a kind not forbidden by law. Acts 1992, ch. 673, § 1.
When conduct is charged to constitute an offense under this part because it causes or threatens bodily injury, effective consent to such conduct or to the infliction of such injury is a defense, if:
(1) The bodily injury consented to or threatened by the conduct consented to is not serious bodily injury; or
(2) The conduct and the harm are reasonably foreseeable hazards: (A) Of joint participation in a lawful athletic contest or competitive sport; or (B) For any concerted activity of a kind not forbidden by law.
(A) Of joint participation in a lawful athletic contest or competitive sport; or
(B) For any concerted activity of a kind not forbidden by law.
Acts 1992, ch. 673, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-14-503 — TN Code / Title 39 / Chapter 14 / Section 39-14-503
Offense of mitigated criminal littering
Status: in_force

(a) Mitigated criminal littering is littering in an amount less than or equal to five pounds (5 lbs.) in weight or seven and one-half (7.5) cubic feet in volume. (b) Mitigated criminal littering is a Class B misdemeanor punishable by a fine of five hundred dollars ($500) and as provided in subsections (c) and (d). (c) A person charged with a violation of this section may, in lieu of appearance in court, submit the applicable five hundred dollar ($500) fine to the clerk of the court that has jurisdiction of the offense within the county in which the offense charged is alleged to have been committed. A person paying in this manner is not subject to subsection (d), and, in the discretion of the judge, may be excused from paying court costs for the offense. (d) In addition to the penalties established in this section, the court shall require a person convicted under this section to remove litter from the state or local highway system, public playgrounds, public parks or other appropriate public locations for not more than forty (40) hours. The court, in its discretion, may also require a person convicted under this section to work in a recycling center or other appropriate location for any stated period of time not to exceed eight (8) hours. Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 899, s 2, eff. 7/1/2022. Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 899, s 1, eff. 7/1/2022. Acts 2007 , ch. 595, § 1.
(a) Mitigated criminal littering is littering in an amount less than or equal to five pounds (5 lbs.) in weight or seven and one-half (7.5) cubic feet in volume.
(b) Mitigated criminal littering is a Class B misdemeanor punishable by a fine of five hundred dollars ($500) and as provided in subsections (c) and (d).
(c) A person charged with a violation of this section may, in lieu of appearance in court, submit the applicable five hundred dollar ($500) fine to the clerk of the court that has jurisdiction of the offense within the county in which the offense charged is alleged to have been committed. A person paying in this manner is not subject to subsection (d), and, in the discretion of the judge, may be excused from paying court costs for the offense.
(d) In addition to the penalties established in this section, the court shall require a person convicted under this section to remove litter from the state or local highway system, public playgrounds, public parks or other appropriate public locations for not more than forty (40) hours. The court, in its discretion, may also require a person convicted under this section to work in a recycling center or other appropriate location for any stated period of time not to exceed eight (8) hours.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 899, s 2, eff. 7/1/2022.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 899, s 1, eff. 7/1/2022.
Acts 2007 , ch. 595, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-413 — TN Code / Title 39 / Chapter 17 / Section 39-17-413
Criteria for Schedule V
Status: in_force

The commissioner of mental health and substance abuse services, upon the agreement of the commissioner of health, shall place a substance in Schedule V upon finding that: (1) The substance has low potential for abuse relative to the controlled substances listed in Schedule IV; (2) The substance has currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States; and (3) The substance has limited physical dependence or psychological dependence liability relative to the controlled substances listed in Schedule IV. Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1; 2010, ch. 1100, § 65; 2012, ch. 575, § 2.
The commissioner of mental health and substance abuse services, upon the agreement of the commissioner of health, shall place a substance in Schedule V upon finding that:
(1) The substance has low potential for abuse relative to the controlled substances listed in Schedule IV;
(2) The substance has currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States; and
(3) The substance has limited physical dependence or psychological dependence liability relative to the controlled substances listed in Schedule IV.
Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1; 2010, ch. 1100, § 65; 2012, ch. 575, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-13-607 — TN Code / Title 39 / Chapter 13 / Section 39-13-607
Observation without consent
Status: in_force

(a) It is an offense for a person to knowingly spy upon, observe or otherwise view an individual, when the individual is in a place where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy, without the prior effective consent of the individual, if the viewing: (1) Would offend or embarrass an ordinary person if the person knew the person was being viewed; and (2) Was for the purpose of sexual arousal or gratification of the defendant. (b) It is not a defense to a violation of this section that the defendant was lawfully on the premises where the offense occurred. (c) If the person being viewed is a minor, this section is violated regardless of whether the minor or the minor's parent or guardian consented to the viewing. (d) (1) A violation of this section is a Class A misdemeanor. (2) A violation of this section is a Class E felony if the victim is under thirteen (13) years of age at the time the offense is committed. (e) Nothing in this section shall preclude the state from electing to prosecute conduct in violation of this section under any other applicable section. Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 977,s 2, eff. 7/1/2014. Acts 2000, ch. 667, § 1.
(a) It is an offense for a person to knowingly spy upon, observe or otherwise view an individual, when the individual is in a place where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy, without the prior effective consent of the individual, if the viewing: (1) Would offend or embarrass an ordinary person if the person knew the person was being viewed; and (2) Was for the purpose of sexual arousal or gratification of the defendant.
(1) Would offend or embarrass an ordinary person if the person knew the person was being viewed; and
(2) Was for the purpose of sexual arousal or gratification of the defendant.
(b) It is not a defense to a violation of this section that the defendant was lawfully on the premises where the offense occurred.
(c) If the person being viewed is a minor, this section is violated regardless of whether the minor or the minor's parent or guardian consented to the viewing.
(d) (1) A violation of this section is a Class A misdemeanor. (2) A violation of this section is a Class E felony if the victim is under thirteen (13) years of age at the time the offense is committed.
(1) A violation of this section is a Class A misdemeanor.
(2) A violation of this section is a Class E felony if the victim is under thirteen (13) years of age at the time the offense is committed.
(e) Nothing in this section shall preclude the state from electing to prosecute conduct in violation of this section under any other applicable section.
Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 977,s 2, eff. 7/1/2014.
Acts 2000, ch. 667, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-658 — TN Code / Title 39 / Chapter 17 / Section 39-17-658
Exemption from federal law prohibiting transportation of gambling devices
Status: in_force

All tickets, shares, chances or similar records and other devices imported, transported, or distributed for an annual event operated pursuant to title 3, chapter 17 are exempt from the provisions of 15 U.S.C. § 1172 . Acts 2004, ch. 476, § 9.
All tickets, shares, chances or similar records and other devices imported, transported, or distributed for an annual event operated pursuant to title 3, chapter 17 are exempt from the provisions of 15 U.S.C. § 1172 .
Acts 2004, ch. 476, § 9.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-11-614 — TN Code / Title 39 / Chapter 11 / Section 39-11-614
Protection of property
Status: in_force

(a) A person in lawful possession of real or personal property is justified in threatening or using force against another, when and to the degree it is reasonably believed the force is immediately necessary to prevent or terminate the other's trespass on the land or unlawful interference with the property. (b) A person who has been unlawfully dispossessed of real or personal property is justified in threatening or using force against the other, when and to the degree it is reasonably believed the force is immediately necessary to reenter the land or recover the property, if the person threatens or uses the force immediately or in fresh pursuit after the dispossession: (1) The person reasonably believes the other had no claim of right when the other dispossessed the person; and (2) The other accomplished the dispossession by threatening or using force against the person. (c) Unless a person is justified in using deadly force as otherwise provided by law, a person is not justified in using deadly force to prevent or terminate the other's trespass on real estate or unlawful interference with personal property. Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1; 2009, ch. 194, § 1.
(a) A person in lawful possession of real or personal property is justified in threatening or using force against another, when and to the degree it is reasonably believed the force is immediately necessary to prevent or terminate the other's trespass on the land or unlawful interference with the property.
(b) A person who has been unlawfully dispossessed of real or personal property is justified in threatening or using force against the other, when and to the degree it is reasonably believed the force is immediately necessary to reenter the land or recover the property, if the person threatens or uses the force immediately or in fresh pursuit after the dispossession: (1) The person reasonably believes the other had no claim of right when the other dispossessed the person; and (2) The other accomplished the dispossession by threatening or using force against the person.
(1) The person reasonably believes the other had no claim of right when the other dispossessed the person; and
(2) The other accomplished the dispossession by threatening or using force against the person.
(c) Unless a person is justified in using deadly force as otherwise provided by law, a person is not justified in using deadly force to prevent or terminate the other's trespass on real estate or unlawful interference with personal property.
Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1; 2009, ch. 194, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-13-522 — TN Code / Title 39 / Chapter 13 / Section 39-13-522
Rape of a child
Status: in_force

(a) Rape of a child is the unlawful sexual penetration of a victim by the defendant or the defendant by a victim, if the victim is more than eight (8) years of age but less than thirteen (13) years of age. (b) Rape of a child is a Class A felony and shall be punished as follows: (1) If the defendant was a juvenile at the time of the offense, then the defendant shall be punished as a Range II offender; however the sentence imposed may, if appropriate, be within Range III, but in no case shall it be lower than Range II; and (2) If the defendant was an adult at the time of the offense, then the sentence must be: (A) Death; (B) Imprisonment for life without possibility of parole; or (C) Imprisonment for life. Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 951,s 1, eff. 7/1/2024. Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 588, s 2, eff. 7/1/2020. Acts 1992, ch. 878, § 1; 1997 , ch. 406, § 2; 2005, ch. 353, § 14; 2006, ch. 890, § 22; 2007 , ch. 501, § 1; 2011 , ch. 306, § 1.
(a) Rape of a child is the unlawful sexual penetration of a victim by the defendant or the defendant by a victim, if the victim is more than eight (8) years of age but less than thirteen (13) years of age.
(b) Rape of a child is a Class A felony and shall be punished as follows: (1) If the defendant was a juvenile at the time of the offense, then the defendant shall be punished as a Range II offender; however the sentence imposed may, if appropriate, be within Range III, but in no case shall it be lower than Range II; and (2) If the defendant was an adult at the time of the offense, then the sentence must be: (A) Death; (B) Imprisonment for life without possibility of parole; or (C) Imprisonment for life.
(1) If the defendant was a juvenile at the time of the offense, then the defendant shall be punished as a Range II offender; however the sentence imposed may, if appropriate, be within Range III, but in no case shall it be lower than Range II; and
(2) If the defendant was an adult at the time of the offense, then the sentence must be: (A) Death; (B) Imprisonment for life without possibility of parole; or (C) Imprisonment for life.
(A) Death;
(B) Imprisonment for life without possibility of parole; or
(C) Imprisonment for life.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 951,s 1, eff. 7/1/2024.
Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 588, s 2, eff. 7/1/2020.
Acts 1992, ch. 878, § 1; 1997 , ch. 406, § 2; 2005, ch. 353, § 14; 2006, ch. 890, § 22; 2007 , ch. 501, § 1; 2011 , ch. 306, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-13-610 — TN Code / Title 39 / Chapter 13 / Section 39-13-610
Search warrant required to obtain location information of an electronic device - Exceptions to warrant requirement - Admissibility into evidence
Status: in_force

(a) As used in this section: (1) "Electronic communication service" means a service that provides to users of the service the ability to send or receive wire or electronic communications; (2) "Electronic device" means a device that enables access to or use of an electronic communication service, remote computing service, or location information service; (3) "Governmental entity" means a state or local government agency, including, but not limited to, any law enforcement agency that is a lawfully established state or local public agency responsible for the prevention and detection of crime, local government code enforcement, or the enforcement of penal, traffic, regulatory, game, or controlled substance laws. A governmental entity also includes any other investigative entity, agency, department, division, bureau, board, commission, or an individual acting or purporting to act for or on behalf of a state or local agency; (4) "Location information" means information concerning the location of an electronic device that, in whole or in part, is generated or derived from or obtained by the operation of an electronic device on a cellular telephone network or a location information service, rather than obtained from a service provider; and (5) "Location information service" means the provision of global positioning service or other mapping, locational, or directional information service. (b) Except as provided in subsection (c), no governmental entity shall obtain the location information of an electronic device without a search warrant issued by a duly authorized court. (c) A government entity may obtain location information of an electronic device without obtaining a search warrant under any of the following circumstances: (1) If the electronic device is reported stolen by the owner; (2) If necessary to respond to the user's call for emergency services; (3) To prevent imminent danger to the life of the owner or user; (4) To prevent imminent danger to the public; (5) With the informed, affirmative consent of the owner or user of the electronic device; (6) If the user has posted the user's location within the last twenty-four (24) hours on a social media website; or (7) If exigent circumstances justify obtaining location information for the electronic device without a warrant. (d) Any evidence obtained in violation of this section is not admissible in a civil, criminal, or administrative proceeding and shall not be used in an affidavit of probable cause in an effort to obtain a search warrant. (e) (1) This section shall not be construed to apply to any smart meter gateway device. (2) For purposes of this subsection (e), "smart meter gateway device" means any electric or natural gas utility meter, utility meter component, utility meter load control device, or any device ancillary to the utility meter, which is located at an end-user's residence or business and which serves as a communication gateway or portal to electrical or natural gas powered appliances, equipment, or devices within the end-user's residence or business, or which otherwise communicates with, monitors, measures, records, reports, stores, restricts, or regulates such electrical or natural gas powered appliances, equipment, or devices. Added by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 991,s 1, eff. 5/22/2014.
(a) As used in this section: (1) "Electronic communication service" means a service that provides to users of the service the ability to send or receive wire or electronic communications; (2) "Electronic device" means a device that enables access to or use of an electronic communication service, remote computing service, or location information service; (3) "Governmental entity" means a state or local government agency, including, but not limited to, any law enforcement agency that is a lawfully established state or local public agency responsible for the prevention and detection of crime, local government code enforcement, or the enforcement of penal, traffic, regulatory, game, or controlled substance laws. A governmental entity also includes any other investigative entity, agency, department, division, bureau, board, commission, or an individual acting or purporting to act for or on behalf of a state or local agency; (4) "Location information" means information concerning the location of an electronic device that, in whole or in part, is generated or derived from or obtained by the operation of an electronic device on a cellular telephone network or a location information service, rather than obtained from a service provider; and (5) "Location information service" means the provision of global positioning service or other mapping, locational, or directional information service.
(1) "Electronic communication service" means a service that provides to users of the service the ability to send or receive wire or electronic communications;
(2) "Electronic device" means a device that enables access to or use of an electronic communication service, remote computing service, or location information service;
(3) "Governmental entity" means a state or local government agency, including, but not limited to, any law enforcement agency that is a lawfully established state or local public agency responsible for the prevention and detection of crime, local government code enforcement, or the enforcement of penal, traffic, regulatory, game, or controlled substance laws. A governmental entity also includes any other investigative entity, agency, department, division, bureau, board, commission, or an individual acting or purporting to act for or on behalf of a state or local agency;
(4) "Location information" means information concerning the location of an electronic device that, in whole or in part, is generated or derived from or obtained by the operation of an electronic device on a cellular telephone network or a location information service, rather than obtained from a service provider; and
(5) "Location information service" means the provision of global positioning service or other mapping, locational, or directional information service.
(b) Except as provided in subsection (c), no governmental entity shall obtain the location information of an electronic device without a search warrant issued by a duly authorized court.
(c) A government entity may obtain location information of an electronic device without obtaining a search warrant under any of the following circumstances: (1) If the electronic device is reported stolen by the owner; (2) If necessary to respond to the user's call for emergency services; (3) To prevent imminent danger to the life of the owner or user; (4) To prevent imminent danger to the public; (5) With the informed, affirmative consent of the owner or user of the electronic device; (6) If the user has posted the user's location within the last twenty-four (24) hours on a social media website; or (7) If exigent circumstances justify obtaining location information for the electronic device without a warrant.
(1) If the electronic device is reported stolen by the owner;
(2) If necessary to respond to the user's call for emergency services;
(3) To prevent imminent danger to the life of the owner or user;
(4) To prevent imminent danger to the public;
(5) With the informed, affirmative consent of the owner or user of the electronic device;
(6) If the user has posted the user's location within the last twenty-four (24) hours on a social media website; or
(7) If exigent circumstances justify obtaining location information for the electronic device without a warrant.
(d) Any evidence obtained in violation of this section is not admissible in a civil, criminal, or administrative proceeding and shall not be used in an affidavit of probable cause in an effort to obtain a search warrant.
(e) (1) This section shall not be construed to apply to any smart meter gateway device. (2) For purposes of this subsection (e), "smart meter gateway device" means any electric or natural gas utility meter, utility meter component, utility meter load control device, or any device ancillary to the utility meter, which is located at an end-user's residence or business and which serves as a communication gateway or portal to electrical or natural gas powered appliances, equipment, or devices within the end-user's residence or business, or which otherwise communicates with, monitors, measures, records, reports, stores, restricts, or regulates such electrical or natural gas powered appliances, equipment, or devices.
(1) This section shall not be construed to apply to any smart meter gateway device.
(2) For purposes of this subsection (e), "smart meter gateway device" means any electric or natural gas utility meter, utility meter component, utility meter load control device, or any device ancillary to the utility meter, which is located at an end-user's residence or business and which serves as a communication gateway or portal to electrical or natural gas powered appliances, equipment, or devices within the end-user's residence or business, or which otherwise communicates with, monitors, measures, records, reports, stores, restricts, or regulates such electrical or natural gas powered appliances, equipment, or devices.
Added by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 991,s 1, eff. 5/22/2014.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-13-524 — TN Code / Title 39 / Chapter 13 / Section 39-13-524
Sentence of community supervision for life
Status: in_force

(a) In addition to the punishment authorized by the specific statute prohibiting the conduct, a person shall receive a sentence of community supervision for life who, on or after: (1) July 1, 1996, commits a violation of § 39-13-502 , § 39-13-503 , § 39-13-504 , or § 39-13-522 ; (2) July 1, 2010, commits a violation of § 39-13-531 ; (3) The applicable date as provided in subdivision (a)(1) or (a)(2) attempts to commit a violation of any of the sections enumerated in subdivision (a)(1) or (a)(2); (4) July 1, 2021, facilitates the commission of a violation of § 39-13-522 or § 39-13-531 ; (5) July 1, 2022, commits a violation of § 39-13-316(a)(3), (a)(4), or (a)(5) ; or (6) July 1, 2024, commits a violation of § 39-13-518 . (b) The judgment of conviction for all persons to whom subsection (a) applies shall include that the person is sentenced to community supervision for life. (c) The sentence of community supervision for life shall commence immediately upon the expiration of the term of imprisonment imposed upon the person by the court or upon the person's release from regular parole supervision, whichever first occurs. (d) (1) A person on community supervision shall be under the jurisdiction, supervision and control of the department of correction in the same manner as a person under parole supervision. The department is authorized on an individual basis to establish such conditions of community supervision as are necessary to protect the public from the person's committing a new sex offense, as well as promoting the rehabilitation of the person. (2) The department is authorized to impose and enforce a supervision and rehabilitation fee upon a person on community supervision similar to the fee imposed by § 40-28-201 . To the extent possible, the department shall set the fee in an amount that will substantially defray the cost of the community supervision program. The department shall also establish a fee waiver procedure for hardship cases and indigency. Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 525,s 1, eff. 7/1/2024, app. to offenses committed on or after 7/1/2024. Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1089, s 7, eff. 7/1/2022. Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 525, s 1, eff. 7/1/2021. Acts 1996, ch. 972, § 1; 1998, ch. 1049, § 11; 2010 , ch. 646, § 1; 2012 , ch. 727, § 5.
(a) In addition to the punishment authorized by the specific statute prohibiting the conduct, a person shall receive a sentence of community supervision for life who, on or after: (1) July 1, 1996, commits a violation of § 39-13-502 , § 39-13-503 , § 39-13-504 , or § 39-13-522 ; (2) July 1, 2010, commits a violation of § 39-13-531 ; (3) The applicable date as provided in subdivision (a)(1) or (a)(2) attempts to commit a violation of any of the sections enumerated in subdivision (a)(1) or (a)(2); (4) July 1, 2021, facilitates the commission of a violation of § 39-13-522 or § 39-13-531 ; (5) July 1, 2022, commits a violation of § 39-13-316(a)(3), (a)(4), or (a)(5) ; or (6) July 1, 2024, commits a violation of § 39-13-518 .
(1) July 1, 1996, commits a violation of § 39-13-502 , § 39-13-503 , § 39-13-504 , or § 39-13-522 ;
(2) July 1, 2010, commits a violation of § 39-13-531 ;
(3) The applicable date as provided in subdivision (a)(1) or (a)(2) attempts to commit a violation of any of the sections enumerated in subdivision (a)(1) or (a)(2);
(4) July 1, 2021, facilitates the commission of a violation of § 39-13-522 or § 39-13-531 ;
(5) July 1, 2022, commits a violation of § 39-13-316(a)(3), (a)(4), or (a)(5) ; or
(6) July 1, 2024, commits a violation of § 39-13-518 .
(b) The judgment of conviction for all persons to whom subsection (a) applies shall include that the person is sentenced to community supervision for life.
(c) The sentence of community supervision for life shall commence immediately upon the expiration of the term of imprisonment imposed upon the person by the court or upon the person's release from regular parole supervision, whichever first occurs.
(d) (1) A person on community supervision shall be under the jurisdiction, supervision and control of the department of correction in the same manner as a person under parole supervision. The department is authorized on an individual basis to establish such conditions of community supervision as are necessary to protect the public from the person's committing a new sex offense, as well as promoting the rehabilitation of the person. (2) The department is authorized to impose and enforce a supervision and rehabilitation fee upon a person on community supervision similar to the fee imposed by § 40-28-201 . To the extent possible, the department shall set the fee in an amount that will substantially defray the cost of the community supervision program. The department shall also establish a fee waiver procedure for hardship cases and indigency.
(1) A person on community supervision shall be under the jurisdiction, supervision and control of the department of correction in the same manner as a person under parole supervision. The department is authorized on an individual basis to establish such conditions of community supervision as are necessary to protect the public from the person's committing a new sex offense, as well as promoting the rehabilitation of the person.
(2) The department is authorized to impose and enforce a supervision and rehabilitation fee upon a person on community supervision similar to the fee imposed by § 40-28-201 . To the extent possible, the department shall set the fee in an amount that will substantially defray the cost of the community supervision program. The department shall also establish a fee waiver procedure for hardship cases and indigency.
Amended by 2024 Tenn. Acts, ch. 525,s 1, eff. 7/1/2024, app. to offenses committed on or after 7/1/2024.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1089, s 7, eff. 7/1/2022.
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 525, s 1, eff. 7/1/2021.
Acts 1996, ch. 972, § 1; 1998, ch. 1049, § 11; 2010 , ch. 646, § 1; 2012 , ch. 727, § 5.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-16-410 — TN Code / Title 39 / Chapter 16 / Section 39-16-410
Unlawful acts related to audits
Status: in_force

(a) It is an offense for a supervisor to intentionally: (1) Instruct, direct, or encourage an employee to make a false statement, entry, notation, or report during or in relation to an audit; (2) Alter, destroy, or conceal information, documentation, or material having evidentiary value to an audit; or (3) Interfere with, impede, obstruct, or limit access to any information, documentation, or communication that is requested during or in relation to an audit. (b) It is an offense for an employee to intentionally interfere with, impede, or obstruct any information, documentation, or communication that is requested during or in relation to the audit if that employee, based on experience, training, and longevity, knew or should have known what information, documentation, or communication was being requested. (c) A violation of subsection (a) or (b) is a Class A misdemeanor. (d) Charges for a violation of subsection (a) or (b) may be brought only by indictment, presentment, or criminal information; provided, that nothing in this section shall deny a person from pursuing other criminal charges by affidavit of complaint. (e) As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires: (1) "Audit" means any audit or investigation conducted by or on behalf of the comptroller of the treasury; (2) "Employee" means an individual who works under a supervisor and who receives compensation from the state; (3) "Limit access" means any time a supervisor requires the presence of a supervisor before: (A) Allowing information to be reviewed during the audit process; or (B) Allowing communication between employees and auditors or investigators of the comptroller of the treasury; and (4) "Supervisor" means an employee of the state who manages, supervises, directs, or controls the employment status, work, or responsibility of any employee. "Supervisor" includes, but is not limited to, any commissioner, executive director, or staff director. Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 939,s 1, eff. 7/1/2016.
(a) It is an offense for a supervisor to intentionally: (1) Instruct, direct, or encourage an employee to make a false statement, entry, notation, or report during or in relation to an audit; (2) Alter, destroy, or conceal information, documentation, or material having evidentiary value to an audit; or (3) Interfere with, impede, obstruct, or limit access to any information, documentation, or communication that is requested during or in relation to an audit.
(1) Instruct, direct, or encourage an employee to make a false statement, entry, notation, or report during or in relation to an audit;
(2) Alter, destroy, or conceal information, documentation, or material having evidentiary value to an audit; or
(3) Interfere with, impede, obstruct, or limit access to any information, documentation, or communication that is requested during or in relation to an audit.
(b) It is an offense for an employee to intentionally interfere with, impede, or obstruct any information, documentation, or communication that is requested during or in relation to the audit if that employee, based on experience, training, and longevity, knew or should have known what information, documentation, or communication was being requested.
(c) A violation of subsection (a) or (b) is a Class A misdemeanor.
(d) Charges for a violation of subsection (a) or (b) may be brought only by indictment, presentment, or criminal information; provided, that nothing in this section shall deny a person from pursuing other criminal charges by affidavit of complaint.
(e) As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires: (1) "Audit" means any audit or investigation conducted by or on behalf of the comptroller of the treasury; (2) "Employee" means an individual who works under a supervisor and who receives compensation from the state; (3) "Limit access" means any time a supervisor requires the presence of a supervisor before: (A) Allowing information to be reviewed during the audit process; or (B) Allowing communication between employees and auditors or investigators of the comptroller of the treasury; and (4) "Supervisor" means an employee of the state who manages, supervises, directs, or controls the employment status, work, or responsibility of any employee. "Supervisor" includes, but is not limited to, any commissioner, executive director, or staff director.
(1) "Audit" means any audit or investigation conducted by or on behalf of the comptroller of the treasury;
(2) "Employee" means an individual who works under a supervisor and who receives compensation from the state;
(3) "Limit access" means any time a supervisor requires the presence of a supervisor before: (A) Allowing information to be reviewed during the audit process; or (B) Allowing communication between employees and auditors or investigators of the comptroller of the treasury; and
(A) Allowing information to be reviewed during the audit process; or
(B) Allowing communication between employees and auditors or investigators of the comptroller of the treasury; and
(4) "Supervisor" means an employee of the state who manages, supervises, directs, or controls the employment status, work, or responsibility of any employee. "Supervisor" includes, but is not limited to, any commissioner, executive director, or staff director.
Added by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 939,s 1, eff. 7/1/2016.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-14-603 — TN Code / Title 39 / Chapter 14 / Section 39-14-603
Unsolicited bulk electronic mail
Status: in_force

(a) It is an offense for a person without authority to falsify or forge electronic mail transmission information or other routing information in any manner in connection with the transmission of unsolicited bulk electronic mail through or into the computer network of an electronic mail service provider or its subscribers. (b) Transmission of electronic mail from an organization to its members shall not be deemed to be the transmission of unsolicited bulk electronic mail as prohibited by this section. (c) Nothing in this section shall be construed to interfere with or prohibit terms or conditions in a contract or license related to computers, computer data, computer networks, computer operations, computer programs, computer services, or computer software or to create any liability by reason of terms or conditions adopted by or technical measures implemented by a Tennessee-based electronic mail service provider to prevent the transmission of unsolicited electronic mail in violation of this section. (d) As used in this section, "without authority" means a person who uses a computer, a computer network, or the computer services of an electronic mail service provider to transmit unsolicited bulk mail in contravention of the authority granted by or in violation of the policies set by the electronic mail service provider. (e) The transmission of electronic signals by a local exchange company to the extent that the local exchange company merely carries that transmission over its network shall not be deemed to be the transmission of unsolicited bulk electronic mail as prohibited by this part. (f) A violation of this section shall be punished according to the damage to the property of another caused by the violation and shall be graded as provided in § 39-14-105 . Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1042, s 2, eff. 7/1/2022. Acts 2003 , ch. 317, §§ 4, 8.
(a) It is an offense for a person without authority to falsify or forge electronic mail transmission information or other routing information in any manner in connection with the transmission of unsolicited bulk electronic mail through or into the computer network of an electronic mail service provider or its subscribers.
(b) Transmission of electronic mail from an organization to its members shall not be deemed to be the transmission of unsolicited bulk electronic mail as prohibited by this section.
(c) Nothing in this section shall be construed to interfere with or prohibit terms or conditions in a contract or license related to computers, computer data, computer networks, computer operations, computer programs, computer services, or computer software or to create any liability by reason of terms or conditions adopted by or technical measures implemented by a Tennessee-based electronic mail service provider to prevent the transmission of unsolicited electronic mail in violation of this section.
(d) As used in this section, "without authority" means a person who uses a computer, a computer network, or the computer services of an electronic mail service provider to transmit unsolicited bulk mail in contravention of the authority granted by or in violation of the policies set by the electronic mail service provider.
(e) The transmission of electronic signals by a local exchange company to the extent that the local exchange company merely carries that transmission over its network shall not be deemed to be the transmission of unsolicited bulk electronic mail as prohibited by this part.
(f) A violation of this section shall be punished according to the damage to the property of another caused by the violation and shall be graded as provided in § 39-14-105 .
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1042, s 2, eff. 7/1/2022.
Acts 2003 , ch. 317, §§ 4, 8.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-16-104 — TN Code / Title 39 / Chapter 16 / Section 39-16-104
Soliciting unlawful compensation
Status: in_force

(a) A public servant commits an offense who requests a pecuniary benefit for the performance of an official action knowing that the public servant was required to perform that action without compensation or at a level of compensation lower than that requested. (b) Solicitation of unlawful compensation is a Class E felony. Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1.
(a) A public servant commits an offense who requests a pecuniary benefit for the performance of an official action knowing that the public servant was required to perform that action without compensation or at a level of compensation lower than that requested.
(b) Solicitation of unlawful compensation is a Class E felony.
Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-13-901 — TN Code / Title 39 / Chapter 13 / Section 39-13-901
Part definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this part: (1) "Image" means any capturing of sound waves, thermal, infrared, ultraviolet, visible light, or other electromagnetic waves, odor, or other conditions existing on or about real property in this state or an individual located on that property; and (2) "Unmanned aircraft" means an airborne device that is operated without an individual in or on the device. Added by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 876,s 2, eff. 7/1/2014.
As used in this part:
(1) "Image" means any capturing of sound waves, thermal, infrared, ultraviolet, visible light, or other electromagnetic waves, odor, or other conditions existing on or about real property in this state or an individual located on that property; and
(2) "Unmanned aircraft" means an airborne device that is operated without an individual in or on the device.
Added by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 876,s 2, eff. 7/1/2014.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-15-103 — TN Code / Title 39 / Chapter 15 / Section 39-15-103
Appeal
Status: in_force

(a) An appeal from any final order or decree of the juvenile court pursuant to this part may be perfected to the court of appeals; provided, that any order of actual imprisonment except for contempt may be perfected as are appeals from any other criminal conviction pursuant to § 40-4-112 . (b) No appeal shall operate as a stay of execution, unless the person receives the court's permission, gives the security provided in § 39-15-102(b)(2) and, when necessary, executes an appearance bond. Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1.
(a) An appeal from any final order or decree of the juvenile court pursuant to this part may be perfected to the court of appeals; provided, that any order of actual imprisonment except for contempt may be perfected as are appeals from any other criminal conviction pursuant to § 40-4-112 .
(b) No appeal shall operate as a stay of execution, unless the person receives the court's permission, gives the security provided in § 39-15-102(b)(2) and, when necessary, executes an appearance bond.
Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-109 — TN Code / Title 39 / Chapter 17 / Section 39-17-109
Airport and aircraft security
Status: in_force

(a) As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires: (1) "Air operations area" means a portion of an airport designed and used for the landing, taking off, or surface maneuvering of airplanes; and (2) "Sterile area" means an area to which access is controlled by the inspection of persons and property in accordance with an approved security program. (b) It is an offense for a person to knowingly trespass or unlawfully enter upon an aircraft, air carrier, foreign air carrier or air operations area or sterile area of an airport serving the general public, if the trespass or entry is in violation of or contrary to security requirements established by federal regulation. (c) A violation of subsection (b) is a Class A misdemeanor. (d) If any person violates subsection (b) with the intent to commit an act in the aircraft, air carrier, foreign air carrier or air operations area or sterile area that is punishable as a felony under federal or state law, and the person is convicted of the felony, a violation of subsection (b) is a Class E felony. (e) Nothing in this section shall be construed as prohibiting prosecution and conviction under any other criminal statute. Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1; 2007, ch. 509, § 1.
(a) As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires: (1) "Air operations area" means a portion of an airport designed and used for the landing, taking off, or surface maneuvering of airplanes; and (2) "Sterile area" means an area to which access is controlled by the inspection of persons and property in accordance with an approved security program.
(1) "Air operations area" means a portion of an airport designed and used for the landing, taking off, or surface maneuvering of airplanes; and
(2) "Sterile area" means an area to which access is controlled by the inspection of persons and property in accordance with an approved security program.
(b) It is an offense for a person to knowingly trespass or unlawfully enter upon an aircraft, air carrier, foreign air carrier or air operations area or sterile area of an airport serving the general public, if the trespass or entry is in violation of or contrary to security requirements established by federal regulation.
(c) A violation of subsection (b) is a Class A misdemeanor.
(d) If any person violates subsection (b) with the intent to commit an act in the aircraft, air carrier, foreign air carrier or air operations area or sterile area that is punishable as a felony under federal or state law, and the person is convicted of the felony, a violation of subsection (b) is a Class E felony.
(e) Nothing in this section shall be construed as prohibiting prosecution and conviction under any other criminal statute.
Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1; 2007, ch. 509, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-13-706 — TN Code / Title 39 / Chapter 13 / Section 39-13-706
Treatment and monitoring of offenders
Status: in_force

(a) Each sex offender sentenced by the court for an offense committed on or after January 1, 1996, is required, as a part of any sentence to probation, community corrections, or incarceration with the department of correction, to undergo treatment to the extent appropriate to the offender based upon the recommendations of the evaluation and identification made pursuant to § 39-13-705 , or based upon any subsequent recommendations by the department of correction, the judicial branch or the department of children's services, whichever is appropriate. Any treatment and monitoring shall be at the person's own expense, based upon the person's ability to pay for the treatment. (b) Each sex offender placed on parole by the state board of parole on or after January 1, 1996, is required, as a condition of parole, to undergo treatment to the extent appropriate to the offender based upon the recommendations of the evaluation and identification pursuant to § 39-13-705 or any evaluation or subsequent reevaluation regarding the person during the person's incarceration or any period of parole. Any treatment shall be at the person's expense, based upon the person's ability to pay for such treatment. (c) Any treatment required by this section must be provided by an individual or entity on the sex offender treatment board's list of approved providers compiled pursuant to § 39-13-704(d)(5) . Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 204, s 3, eff. 4/22/2021. Acts 1995, ch. 353, § 7; 1996, ch. 1079, § 123; 1998, ch. 1049, § 14.
(a) Each sex offender sentenced by the court for an offense committed on or after January 1, 1996, is required, as a part of any sentence to probation, community corrections, or incarceration with the department of correction, to undergo treatment to the extent appropriate to the offender based upon the recommendations of the evaluation and identification made pursuant to § 39-13-705 , or based upon any subsequent recommendations by the department of correction, the judicial branch or the department of children's services, whichever is appropriate. Any treatment and monitoring shall be at the person's own expense, based upon the person's ability to pay for the treatment.
(b) Each sex offender placed on parole by the state board of parole on or after January 1, 1996, is required, as a condition of parole, to undergo treatment to the extent appropriate to the offender based upon the recommendations of the evaluation and identification pursuant to § 39-13-705 or any evaluation or subsequent reevaluation regarding the person during the person's incarceration or any period of parole. Any treatment shall be at the person's expense, based upon the person's ability to pay for such treatment.
(c) Any treatment required by this section must be provided by an individual or entity on the sex offender treatment board's list of approved providers compiled pursuant to § 39-13-704(d)(5) .
Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 204, s 3, eff. 4/22/2021.
Acts 1995, ch. 353, § 7; 1996, ch. 1079, § 123; 1998, ch. 1049, § 14.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-1809 — TN Code / Title 39 / Chapter 17 / Section 39-17-1809
Local operating procedures
Status: in_force

The commissioner of health and the commissioner of labor and workforce development shall annually request other governmental and educational agencies to establish local operating procedures in cooperation and compliance with this part. Acts 2007, ch. 410, § 1.
The commissioner of health and the commissioner of labor and workforce development shall annually request other governmental and educational agencies to establish local operating procedures in cooperation and compliance with this part.
Acts 2007, ch. 410, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-1007 — TN Code / Title 39 / Chapter 17 / Section 39-17-1007
Issuance of process
Status: in_force

No process, except as otherwise provided, shall be issued for the violation of §§ 39-17-1003 - 39-17-1005 unless it is issued upon the application of the district attorney general of the district. Acts 1990, ch. 1092, § 7.
No process, except as otherwise provided, shall be issued for the violation of §§ 39-17-1003 - 39-17-1005 unless it is issued upon the application of the district attorney general of the district.
Acts 1990, ch. 1092, § 7.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-15-407 — TN Code / Title 39 / Chapter 15 / Section 39-15-407
Definitions for Sections 39-15-407 - 39-15-413
Status: in_force

As used in §§ 39-15-407 - 39-15-413: (1) "Disseminate" means to sell, offer to sell, give or otherwise transfer; (2) "Hemp" means the plant Cannabis sativa L. and any part of that plant, including the seeds thereof, and all derivatives, extracts, cannabinoids, isomers, acids, salts, and salts of isomers, whether growing or not, with a delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentration of not more than three tenths of one percent (0.3 %) on a dry weight basis; (3) "Minor" means any person under eighteen (18) years of age or, in the case of alcoholic beverages or smoking material, any person under twenty-one (21) years of age; (4) "Purchase" means to buy, attempt to buy, or offer to buy; (5) "Smoking material" means tobacco or hemp that is offered for sale to the public with the intention that it is consumed by smoking, as well as any noncombustible product containing nicotine or any other substance intended for use in a vapor product as defined in § 39-17-1503 ; and (6) "Smoking paraphernalia" means a cigarette holder, cigarette papers, smoking pipe, water pipe, vapor product as defined in § 39-17-1503 , or other item that is designated primarily to hold smoking material while the smoking material is being smoked. Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 732, Secs.s 4, s 5 eff. 1/1/2021. Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 732, s 3, eff. 1/1/2021. Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 303, s 1, eff. 7/1/2019. Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1; 1994, ch. 872, § 11.
As used in §§ 39-15-407 - 39-15-413:
(1) "Disseminate" means to sell, offer to sell, give or otherwise transfer;
(2) "Hemp" means the plant Cannabis sativa L. and any part of that plant, including the seeds thereof, and all derivatives, extracts, cannabinoids, isomers, acids, salts, and salts of isomers, whether growing or not, with a delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentration of not more than three tenths of one percent (0.3 %) on a dry weight basis;
(3) "Minor" means any person under eighteen (18) years of age or, in the case of alcoholic beverages or smoking material, any person under twenty-one (21) years of age;
(4) "Purchase" means to buy, attempt to buy, or offer to buy;
(5) "Smoking material" means tobacco or hemp that is offered for sale to the public with the intention that it is consumed by smoking, as well as any noncombustible product containing nicotine or any other substance intended for use in a vapor product as defined in § 39-17-1503 ; and
(6) "Smoking paraphernalia" means a cigarette holder, cigarette papers, smoking pipe, water pipe, vapor product as defined in § 39-17-1503 , or other item that is designated primarily to hold smoking material while the smoking material is being smoked.
Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 732, Secs.s 4, s 5 eff. 1/1/2021.
Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 732, s 3, eff. 1/1/2021.
Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 303, s 1, eff. 7/1/2019.
Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1; 1994, ch. 872, § 11.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-15-208 — TN Code / Title 39 / Chapter 15 / Section 39-15-208
Research, photography, and experimentation upon aborted fetuses - Sale of aborted fetuses or aborted fetal tissue prohibited - Penalty for violation
Status: in_force

(a) It is unlawful for any person, agency, corporation, partnership or association to engage in medical experiments, research, or the taking of photographs upon an aborted fetus without the prior knowledge and written consent of the mother; provided, however, that prior knowledge and consent of the mother shall not be required when a person is taking photographs of the aborted fetus for the purpose of capturing images that the person reasonably believes depict evidence of a violation of a state or federal law, rule, or regulation. (b) No person, agency, corporation, partnership, or association shall offer money, or anything of value, for an aborted fetus or aborted fetal tissue; nor shall any person, agency, corporation, partnership, or association accept any money or anything of value for an aborted fetus or aborted fetal tissue, or offer or accept any reimbursement of any costs associated with the preparation, preservation, transfer, shipping, or handling of an aborted fetus or aborted fetal tissue. (c) It is the express intent of the general assembly that nothing in this section shall be construed to grant to a fetus any legal right not possessed by a fetus prior to July 1, 1979. (d) A violation of this section is punishable as a Class E felony. Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1003,s 2, eff. 4/27/2016. Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 986,s 1, eff. 7/1/2016. Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1.
(a) It is unlawful for any person, agency, corporation, partnership or association to engage in medical experiments, research, or the taking of photographs upon an aborted fetus without the prior knowledge and written consent of the mother; provided, however, that prior knowledge and consent of the mother shall not be required when a person is taking photographs of the aborted fetus for the purpose of capturing images that the person reasonably believes depict evidence of a violation of a state or federal law, rule, or regulation.
(b) No person, agency, corporation, partnership, or association shall offer money, or anything of value, for an aborted fetus or aborted fetal tissue; nor shall any person, agency, corporation, partnership, or association accept any money or anything of value for an aborted fetus or aborted fetal tissue, or offer or accept any reimbursement of any costs associated with the preparation, preservation, transfer, shipping, or handling of an aborted fetus or aborted fetal tissue.
(c) It is the express intent of the general assembly that nothing in this section shall be construed to grant to a fetus any legal right not possessed by a fetus prior to July 1, 1979.
(d) A violation of this section is punishable as a Class E felony.
Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1003,s 2, eff. 4/27/2016.
Amended by 2016 Tenn. Acts, ch. 986,s 1, eff. 7/1/2016.
Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-108 — TN Code / Title 39 / Chapter 17 / Section 39-17-108
Tampering with construction signs and barricades - Travel on closed roads - Definitions
Status: in_force

(a) As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires: (1) "Barricade" means a barrier for obstructing the passage of motor vehicle traffic; (2) "Detour sign" means any sign placed across or on a public road of the state, by the state, the county or municipal authorities or by their contractors, indicating that the road is closed or partially closed, which sign also indicates the direction of an alternate route to be followed to give access to certain points; (3) "Fence" means a barrier to prevent the intrusion of motor vehicle traffic; (4) "Officially closed" means a highway or road that has been officially closed by a governmental unit, the department of transportation, a city or a county; and (5) "Warning sign" means a sign indicating construction work in the area. (b) A person commits an offense who intentionally: (1) Destroys, knocks down, removes, defaces, or alters any lighting flasher letters or figures on a detour or warning sign set upon a highway or road of this state; (2) Knocks down, removes, rearranges, destroys, defaces or alters any letters or figures on a barricade or fence erected on any highway or road of this state; (3) Drives around or through any barricade or fence on any officially closed highway or road of this state; (4) Drives around a detour sign or barricade or fence; or (5) Ignores or disregards a warning sign before the road has been officially opened to public traffic by the department, or in appropriate cases by the county or municipal officer responsible for constructing or maintaining such roads. (c) A violation of this section is a Class A misdemeanor. (d) This section shall have no application to: (1) Law enforcement officers in the performance of their duties; (2) Employees of the Tennessee department of transportation; (3) Contractors performing work on the highways; (4) Federal authorities when engaged in inspection of surveys, repairs, maintenance, or construction on or alongside the highways or within the right-of-way; (5) Individuals domiciled or making their livelihood within the affected areas; or (6) Any person or group of persons that shall be authorized by the commissioner, or appropriate county or municipal officer. Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1.
(a) As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires: (1) "Barricade" means a barrier for obstructing the passage of motor vehicle traffic; (2) "Detour sign" means any sign placed across or on a public road of the state, by the state, the county or municipal authorities or by their contractors, indicating that the road is closed or partially closed, which sign also indicates the direction of an alternate route to be followed to give access to certain points; (3) "Fence" means a barrier to prevent the intrusion of motor vehicle traffic; (4) "Officially closed" means a highway or road that has been officially closed by a governmental unit, the department of transportation, a city or a county; and (5) "Warning sign" means a sign indicating construction work in the area.
(1) "Barricade" means a barrier for obstructing the passage of motor vehicle traffic;
(2) "Detour sign" means any sign placed across or on a public road of the state, by the state, the county or municipal authorities or by their contractors, indicating that the road is closed or partially closed, which sign also indicates the direction of an alternate route to be followed to give access to certain points;
(3) "Fence" means a barrier to prevent the intrusion of motor vehicle traffic;
(4) "Officially closed" means a highway or road that has been officially closed by a governmental unit, the department of transportation, a city or a county; and
(5) "Warning sign" means a sign indicating construction work in the area.
(b) A person commits an offense who intentionally: (1) Destroys, knocks down, removes, defaces, or alters any lighting flasher letters or figures on a detour or warning sign set upon a highway or road of this state; (2) Knocks down, removes, rearranges, destroys, defaces or alters any letters or figures on a barricade or fence erected on any highway or road of this state; (3) Drives around or through any barricade or fence on any officially closed highway or road of this state; (4) Drives around a detour sign or barricade or fence; or (5) Ignores or disregards a warning sign before the road has been officially opened to public traffic by the department, or in appropriate cases by the county or municipal officer responsible for constructing or maintaining such roads.
(1) Destroys, knocks down, removes, defaces, or alters any lighting flasher letters or figures on a detour or warning sign set upon a highway or road of this state;
(2) Knocks down, removes, rearranges, destroys, defaces or alters any letters or figures on a barricade or fence erected on any highway or road of this state;
(3) Drives around or through any barricade or fence on any officially closed highway or road of this state;
(4) Drives around a detour sign or barricade or fence; or
(5) Ignores or disregards a warning sign before the road has been officially opened to public traffic by the department, or in appropriate cases by the county or municipal officer responsible for constructing or maintaining such roads.
(c) A violation of this section is a Class A misdemeanor.
(d) This section shall have no application to: (1) Law enforcement officers in the performance of their duties; (2) Employees of the Tennessee department of transportation; (3) Contractors performing work on the highways; (4) Federal authorities when engaged in inspection of surveys, repairs, maintenance, or construction on or alongside the highways or within the right-of-way; (5) Individuals domiciled or making their livelihood within the affected areas; or (6) Any person or group of persons that shall be authorized by the commissioner, or appropriate county or municipal officer.
(1) Law enforcement officers in the performance of their duties;
(2) Employees of the Tennessee department of transportation;
(3) Contractors performing work on the highways;
(4) Federal authorities when engaged in inspection of surveys, repairs, maintenance, or construction on or alongside the highways or within the right-of-way;
(5) Individuals domiciled or making their livelihood within the affected areas; or
(6) Any person or group of persons that shall be authorized by the commissioner, or appropriate county or municipal officer.
Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-911 — TN Code / Title 39 / Chapter 17 / Section 39-17-911
Sale, loan or exhibition of material to minors
Status: in_force

(a) It is unlawful for any person to knowingly sell or loan for monetary consideration or otherwise exhibit or make available to a minor: (1) Any picture, photograph, drawing, sculpture, motion picture film, video game, computer software game, or similar visual representation or image of a person or portion of the human body, that depicts nudity, sexual conduct, excess violence, or sado-masochistic abuse, and that is harmful to minors; or (2) Any book, pamphlet, magazine, printed matter, however reproduced, or sound recording, which contains any matter enumerated in subdivision (a)(1), or that contains explicit and detailed verbal descriptions or narrative accounts of sexual excitement, sexual conduct, excess violence, or sado-masochistic abuse, and that is harmful to minors. (b) It is unlawful for any person to knowingly exhibit to a minor for monetary consideration, or to knowingly sell to a minor an admission ticket or pass or otherwise admit a minor to premises whereon there is exhibited a motion picture, show or other presentation which, in whole or in part, depicts nudity, sexual conduct, excess violence, or sado-masochistic abuse, and which is harmful to minors. (c) A violation of this section is a Class A misdemeanor. (d) It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under this section that the minor to whom the material or show was made available or exhibited was, at the time, accompanied by the person's parent or legal guardian, or by an adult with the written permission of the parent or legal guardian. Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1; 2000, ch. 763, § 1.
(a) It is unlawful for any person to knowingly sell or loan for monetary consideration or otherwise exhibit or make available to a minor: (1) Any picture, photograph, drawing, sculpture, motion picture film, video game, computer software game, or similar visual representation or image of a person or portion of the human body, that depicts nudity, sexual conduct, excess violence, or sado-masochistic abuse, and that is harmful to minors; or (2) Any book, pamphlet, magazine, printed matter, however reproduced, or sound recording, which contains any matter enumerated in subdivision (a)(1), or that contains explicit and detailed verbal descriptions or narrative accounts of sexual excitement, sexual conduct, excess violence, or sado-masochistic abuse, and that is harmful to minors.
(1) Any picture, photograph, drawing, sculpture, motion picture film, video game, computer software game, or similar visual representation or image of a person or portion of the human body, that depicts nudity, sexual conduct, excess violence, or sado-masochistic abuse, and that is harmful to minors; or
(2) Any book, pamphlet, magazine, printed matter, however reproduced, or sound recording, which contains any matter enumerated in subdivision (a)(1), or that contains explicit and detailed verbal descriptions or narrative accounts of sexual excitement, sexual conduct, excess violence, or sado-masochistic abuse, and that is harmful to minors.
(b) It is unlawful for any person to knowingly exhibit to a minor for monetary consideration, or to knowingly sell to a minor an admission ticket or pass or otherwise admit a minor to premises whereon there is exhibited a motion picture, show or other presentation which, in whole or in part, depicts nudity, sexual conduct, excess violence, or sado-masochistic abuse, and which is harmful to minors.
(c) A violation of this section is a Class A misdemeanor.
(d) It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under this section that the minor to whom the material or show was made available or exhibited was, at the time, accompanied by the person's parent or legal guardian, or by an adult with the written permission of the parent or legal guardian.
Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1; 2000, ch. 763, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-14-219 — TN Code / Title 39 / Chapter 14 / Section 39-14-219
Knowing killing or injuring of police dog, fire dog, search and rescue dog, service animal, or police horse
Status: in_force

(a) It is an offense to knowingly and unlawfully cause serious bodily injury to or kill a police dog, fire dog, search and rescue dog, service animal, or police horse without the owner's effective consent. (b) (1) An offense under subsection (a) is a Class D felony. (2) If conduct that is in violation of this section is also a violation of § 39-14-205 or any other criminal offense, the offense may be prosecuted under any of the applicable statutes. (c) A person is justified in killing or injuring the animal of another if the person acted under a reasonable belief that the animal was creating an imminent danger of death or serious bodily injury to that person or another or an imminent danger of death to an animal owned by or in the control of that person. A person is not justified in killing or injuring the animal of another if, at the time of the killing, the person is trespassing upon the property of the owner of the animal. The justification for killing or injuring the animal of another authorized by this subsection (c) does not apply to a person who, while engaging in or attempting to escape from criminal conduct, kills or injures a police dog that is acting in its official capacity. In that case, subsection (a) applies to the person. Added by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1106, s 2, eff. 7/1/2022.
(a) It is an offense to knowingly and unlawfully cause serious bodily injury to or kill a police dog, fire dog, search and rescue dog, service animal, or police horse without the owner's effective consent.
(b) (1) An offense under subsection (a) is a Class D felony. (2) If conduct that is in violation of this section is also a violation of § 39-14-205 or any other criminal offense, the offense may be prosecuted under any of the applicable statutes.
(1) An offense under subsection (a) is a Class D felony.
(2) If conduct that is in violation of this section is also a violation of § 39-14-205 or any other criminal offense, the offense may be prosecuted under any of the applicable statutes.
(c) A person is justified in killing or injuring the animal of another if the person acted under a reasonable belief that the animal was creating an imminent danger of death or serious bodily injury to that person or another or an imminent danger of death to an animal owned by or in the control of that person. A person is not justified in killing or injuring the animal of another if, at the time of the killing, the person is trespassing upon the property of the owner of the animal. The justification for killing or injuring the animal of another authorized by this subsection (c) does not apply to a person who, while engaging in or attempting to escape from criminal conduct, kills or injures a police dog that is acting in its official capacity. In that case, subsection (a) applies to the person.
Added by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 1106, s 2, eff. 7/1/2022.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-654 — TN Code / Title 39 / Chapter 17 / Section 39-17-654
Offense of engaging in gambling promotion under the pretense of conducting an annual event - Offense of managing, conducting or operating an annual event
Status: in_force

(a) (1) It is an offense for any person to knowingly engage in gambling promotion under the pretense of conducting an annual event. (2) A violation of this subsection (a) is a Class E felony; provided, however, that the maximum fine shall be the greater of: (A) Fifty thousand dollars ($50,000); or (B) The amount of gross proceeds derived from the gambling activity. (b) (1) It is an offense for any person authorized to conduct an annual event to knowingly employ, contract with, or otherwise utilize the services of any person, management company or consultant to manage, conduct or operate an annual event. (2) A violation of this subsection (b) is a Class A misdemeanor; provided, however, that the maximum fine shall be fifty thousand dollars ($50,000). (c) (1) It is an offense for any person not authorized pursuant to title 3, chapter 17, to knowingly manage, conduct or operate an annual event for a nonprofit organization. (2) A violation of this subsection (c) is a Class D felony; provided, however, that the maximum fine shall be the greater of: (A) Fifty thousand dollars ($50,000); or (B) The amount of the consideration obtained for the management, conducting or operation of the annual event. Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 134,s 27, eff. 4/14/2015. Acts 2004, ch. 476, § 9.
(a) (1) It is an offense for any person to knowingly engage in gambling promotion under the pretense of conducting an annual event. (2) A violation of this subsection (a) is a Class E felony; provided, however, that the maximum fine shall be the greater of: (A) Fifty thousand dollars ($50,000); or (B) The amount of gross proceeds derived from the gambling activity.
(1) It is an offense for any person to knowingly engage in gambling promotion under the pretense of conducting an annual event.
(2) A violation of this subsection (a) is a Class E felony; provided, however, that the maximum fine shall be the greater of: (A) Fifty thousand dollars ($50,000); or (B) The amount of gross proceeds derived from the gambling activity.
(A) Fifty thousand dollars ($50,000); or
(B) The amount of gross proceeds derived from the gambling activity.
(b) (1) It is an offense for any person authorized to conduct an annual event to knowingly employ, contract with, or otherwise utilize the services of any person, management company or consultant to manage, conduct or operate an annual event. (2) A violation of this subsection (b) is a Class A misdemeanor; provided, however, that the maximum fine shall be fifty thousand dollars ($50,000).
(1) It is an offense for any person authorized to conduct an annual event to knowingly employ, contract with, or otherwise utilize the services of any person, management company or consultant to manage, conduct or operate an annual event.
(2) A violation of this subsection (b) is a Class A misdemeanor; provided, however, that the maximum fine shall be fifty thousand dollars ($50,000).
(c) (1) It is an offense for any person not authorized pursuant to title 3, chapter 17, to knowingly manage, conduct or operate an annual event for a nonprofit organization. (2) A violation of this subsection (c) is a Class D felony; provided, however, that the maximum fine shall be the greater of: (A) Fifty thousand dollars ($50,000); or (B) The amount of the consideration obtained for the management, conducting or operation of the annual event.
(1) It is an offense for any person not authorized pursuant to title 3, chapter 17, to knowingly manage, conduct or operate an annual event for a nonprofit organization.
(2) A violation of this subsection (c) is a Class D felony; provided, however, that the maximum fine shall be the greater of: (A) Fifty thousand dollars ($50,000); or (B) The amount of the consideration obtained for the management, conducting or operation of the annual event.
(A) Fifty thousand dollars ($50,000); or
(B) The amount of the consideration obtained for the management, conducting or operation of the annual event.
Amended by 2015 Tenn. Acts, ch. 134,s 27, eff. 4/14/2015.
Acts 2004, ch. 476, § 9.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-11-105 — TN Code / Title 39 / Chapter 11 / Section 39-11-105
Computation of age
Status: in_force

A person attains a specified age on the day of the anniversary of the person's birthdate. Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1.
A person attains a specified age on the day of the anniversary of the person's birthdate.
Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-16-508 — TN Code / Title 39 / Chapter 16 / Section 39-16-508
Coercion of juror
Status: in_force

(a) A person commits an offense who by means of coercion: (1) Influences or attempts to influence a juror in the exercise of the juror's official power or in the performance of the juror's official duty; or (2) Influences or attempts to influence a juror not to vote or to vote in a particular manner. (b) A violation of this section is a Class E felony. Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1.
(a) A person commits an offense who by means of coercion: (1) Influences or attempts to influence a juror in the exercise of the juror's official power or in the performance of the juror's official duty; or (2) Influences or attempts to influence a juror not to vote or to vote in a particular manner.
(1) Influences or attempts to influence a juror in the exercise of the juror's official power or in the performance of the juror's official duty; or
(2) Influences or attempts to influence a juror not to vote or to vote in a particular manner.
(b) A violation of this section is a Class E felony.
Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-14-101 — TN Code / Title 39 / Chapter 14 / Section 39-14-101
Consolidation of theft offenses
Status: in_force

Conduct denominated as theft in this part constitutes a single offense embracing the separate offenses referenced before 1989 as embezzlement, false pretense, fraudulent conversion, larceny, receiving or concealing stolen property, and other similar offenses. Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1.
Conduct denominated as theft in this part constitutes a single offense embracing the separate offenses referenced before 1989 as embezzlement, false pretense, fraudulent conversion, larceny, receiving or concealing stolen property, and other similar offenses.
Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-11-402 — TN Code / Title 39 / Chapter 11 / Section 39-11-402
Criminal responsibility for conduct of another
Status: in_force

A person is criminally responsible for an offense committed by the conduct of another, if: (1) Acting with the culpability required for the offense, the person causes or aids an innocent or irresponsible person to engage in conduct prohibited by the definition of the offense; (2) Acting with intent to promote or assist the commission of the offense, or to benefit in the proceeds or results of the offense, the person solicits, directs, aids, or attempts to aid another person to commit the offense; or (3) Having a duty imposed by law or voluntarily undertaken to prevent commission of the offense and acting with intent to benefit in the proceeds or results of the offense, or to promote or assist its commission, the person fails to make a reasonable effort to prevent commission of the offense. Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1.
A person is criminally responsible for an offense committed by the conduct of another, if:
(1) Acting with the culpability required for the offense, the person causes or aids an innocent or irresponsible person to engage in conduct prohibited by the definition of the offense;
(2) Acting with intent to promote or assist the commission of the offense, or to benefit in the proceeds or results of the offense, the person solicits, directs, aids, or attempts to aid another person to commit the offense; or
(3) Having a duty imposed by law or voluntarily undertaken to prevent commission of the offense and acting with intent to benefit in the proceeds or results of the offense, or to promote or assist its commission, the person fails to make a reasonable effort to prevent commission of the offense.
Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-1506 — TN Code / Title 39 / Chapter 17 / Section 39-17-1506
Required postings
Status: in_force

(a) Every person who sells tobacco, smoking hemp, vapor products, or smokeless nicotine products at retail shall post conspicuously and keep so posted at the place of business a sign, no smaller than ninety-three and one-half (931/2) square inches, to ensure that it is likely to be read at each point of sale, stating the following: STATE LAW STRICTLY PROHIBITS THE SALE OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS, VAPOR PRODUCTS, SMOKELESS NICOTINE PRODUCTS, OR SMOKING PARAPHERNALIA TO PERSONS UNDER THE AGE OF TWENTY-ONE (21) YEARS PROOF OF AGE MAY BE REQUIRED (b) Unless another notice is required by federal law, the notice required by this section and the notice required by § 39-15-411 shall be the only notice regarding tobacco, smoking hemp, vapor products, or smokeless nicotine products required to be posted or maintained in any store that sells tobacco, smoking hemp, vapor products, or smokeless nicotine products at retail. Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 810, Secs.s 6, s 7 eff. 4/8/2022. Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 732, s 14, eff. 1/1/2021. Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 732, s 13, eff. 1/1/2021. Acts 1994, ch. 872, § 6; 1999, ch. 354, § 8.
(a) Every person who sells tobacco, smoking hemp, vapor products, or smokeless nicotine products at retail shall post conspicuously and keep so posted at the place of business a sign, no smaller than ninety-three and one-half (931/2) square inches, to ensure that it is likely to be read at each point of sale, stating the following: STATE LAW STRICTLY PROHIBITS THE SALE OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS, VAPOR PRODUCTS, SMOKELESS NICOTINE PRODUCTS, OR SMOKING PARAPHERNALIA TO PERSONS UNDER THE AGE OF TWENTY-ONE (21) YEARS PROOF OF AGE MAY BE REQUIRED
STATE LAW STRICTLY PROHIBITS THE SALE OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS, VAPOR PRODUCTS, SMOKELESS NICOTINE PRODUCTS, OR SMOKING PARAPHERNALIA TO PERSONS UNDER THE AGE OF TWENTY-ONE (21) YEARS
PROOF OF AGE MAY BE REQUIRED
(b) Unless another notice is required by federal law, the notice required by this section and the notice required by § 39-15-411 shall be the only notice regarding tobacco, smoking hemp, vapor products, or smokeless nicotine products required to be posted or maintained in any store that sells tobacco, smoking hemp, vapor products, or smokeless nicotine products at retail.
Amended by 2022 Tenn. Acts, ch. 810, Secs.s 6, s 7 eff. 4/8/2022.
Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 732, s 14, eff. 1/1/2021.
Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 732, s 13, eff. 1/1/2021.
Acts 1994, ch. 872, § 6; 1999, ch. 354, § 8.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-13-907 — TN Code / Title 39 / Chapter 13 / Section 39-13-907
Construction of part
Status: in_force

Nothing in this part shall be construed as permitting any act prohibited by other law. Added by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 876,s 8, eff. 7/1/2014.
Nothing in this part shall be construed as permitting any act prohibited by other law.
Added by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 876,s 8, eff. 7/1/2014.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-14-905 — TN Code / Title 39 / Chapter 14 / Section 39-14-905
Jurisdiction and venue
Status: in_force

Venue in a criminal prosecution under this part shall be either in the county where one (1) or more elements of the underlying specified unlawful activity occurred, or in the county where one (1) or more elements of a violation of § 39-14-903 occurred or was attempted. Acts 1996, ch. 1012, § 4.
Venue in a criminal prosecution under this part shall be either in the county where one (1) or more elements of the underlying specified unlawful activity occurred, or in the county where one (1) or more elements of a violation of § 39-14-903 occurred or was attempted.
Acts 1996, ch. 1012, § 4.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-11-702 — TN Code / Title 39 / Chapter 11 / Section 39-11-702
Part definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this part, unless the context otherwise requires: (1) "Attorney general" means the district attorney general, and the district attorney general's assistants; (2) "Interest holder" means a secured party within the meaning of § 47-9-102(a) , a mortgagee, lien creditor, one granted a possessory lien under law, or the beneficiary of a security interest or encumbrance pertaining to an interest in property, whose interest would be perfected against a good faith purchaser for value. A person who holds property for the benefit of or as an agent or nominee for another person, or who is not in substantial compliance with any statute requiring an interest in property to be recorded or reflected in public records in order to perfect the interest against a good faith purchaser for value, is not an interest holder; (3) "Owner" means a person, other than an interest holder, who has an interest in property. A person who holds property for the benefit of or as an agent or nominee for another person, or who is not in substantial compliance with any statute requiring an interest in property to be recorded or reflected in public records in order to perfect the interest against a good faith purchaser for value, is not an owner; and (4) "Property" means anything of value, and includes any interest in property, including any benefit, privilege, claim or right with respect to anything of value, whether real or personal, tangible or intangible. Acts 1998, ch. 979, § 2; 2000, ch. 846, § 25.
As used in this part, unless the context otherwise requires:
(1) "Attorney general" means the district attorney general, and the district attorney general's assistants;
(2) "Interest holder" means a secured party within the meaning of § 47-9-102(a) , a mortgagee, lien creditor, one granted a possessory lien under law, or the beneficiary of a security interest or encumbrance pertaining to an interest in property, whose interest would be perfected against a good faith purchaser for value. A person who holds property for the benefit of or as an agent or nominee for another person, or who is not in substantial compliance with any statute requiring an interest in property to be recorded or reflected in public records in order to perfect the interest against a good faith purchaser for value, is not an interest holder;
(3) "Owner" means a person, other than an interest holder, who has an interest in property. A person who holds property for the benefit of or as an agent or nominee for another person, or who is not in substantial compliance with any statute requiring an interest in property to be recorded or reflected in public records in order to perfect the interest against a good faith purchaser for value, is not an owner; and
(4) "Property" means anything of value, and includes any interest in property, including any benefit, privilege, claim or right with respect to anything of value, whether real or personal, tangible or intangible.
Acts 1998, ch. 979, § 2; 2000, ch. 846, § 25.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-14-111 — TN Code / Title 39 / Chapter 14 / Section 39-14-111
Parentage fraud
Status: in_force

(a) A person commits parentage fraud who: (1) Seeks to legally establish another individual as the biological parent of a child in the person's custody with intent to deprive the individual of property or to prevent the child's actual biological parent from exercising parental rights to the child and the person knows or reasonably should know that the individual is not the child's biological parent; or (2) Seeks to be legally established as a child's parent based on the person's status as a biological parent of the child and the person knows or reasonably should know that the person is not the child's biological parent. (b) Parentage fraud is a Class B misdemeanor. (c) Subsection (a) does not apply when: (1) The child involved was conceived as a result of an act that would be aggravated rape, as defined in § 39-13-502 ; rape, as defined in § 39-13-503 ; rape of a child, as defined in § 39-13-522 ; especially aggravated rape, as defined in § 39-13-534 ; or especially aggravated rape of a child, as defined in § 39-13-535 ; (2) The child involved has been or is in the process of being adopted; or (3) The victim of the offense was the defendant's spouse at the time of the offense. Added by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 189, s 1, eff. 7/1/2023.
(a) A person commits parentage fraud who: (1) Seeks to legally establish another individual as the biological parent of a child in the person's custody with intent to deprive the individual of property or to prevent the child's actual biological parent from exercising parental rights to the child and the person knows or reasonably should know that the individual is not the child's biological parent; or (2) Seeks to be legally established as a child's parent based on the person's status as a biological parent of the child and the person knows or reasonably should know that the person is not the child's biological parent.
(1) Seeks to legally establish another individual as the biological parent of a child in the person's custody with intent to deprive the individual of property or to prevent the child's actual biological parent from exercising parental rights to the child and the person knows or reasonably should know that the individual is not the child's biological parent; or
(2) Seeks to be legally established as a child's parent based on the person's status as a biological parent of the child and the person knows or reasonably should know that the person is not the child's biological parent.
(b) Parentage fraud is a Class B misdemeanor.
(c) Subsection (a) does not apply when: (1) The child involved was conceived as a result of an act that would be aggravated rape, as defined in § 39-13-502 ; rape, as defined in § 39-13-503 ; rape of a child, as defined in § 39-13-522 ; especially aggravated rape, as defined in § 39-13-534 ; or especially aggravated rape of a child, as defined in § 39-13-535 ; (2) The child involved has been or is in the process of being adopted; or (3) The victim of the offense was the defendant's spouse at the time of the offense.
(1) The child involved was conceived as a result of an act that would be aggravated rape, as defined in § 39-13-502 ; rape, as defined in § 39-13-503 ; rape of a child, as defined in § 39-13-522 ; especially aggravated rape, as defined in § 39-13-534 ; or especially aggravated rape of a child, as defined in § 39-13-535 ;
(2) The child involved has been or is in the process of being adopted; or
(3) The victim of the offense was the defendant's spouse at the time of the offense.
Added by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 189, s 1, eff. 7/1/2023.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-16-106 — TN Code / Title 39 / Chapter 16 / Section 39-16-106
Exceptions and defenses
Status: in_force

(a) It is an exception to the application of §§ 39-16-102 , 39-16-104 and 39-16-105 , that the benefit involved is a fee prescribed by law to be received by a public servant or any other benefit to which the public servant is lawfully entitled. (b) It is a defense to prosecution under §§ 39-16-102 , 39-16-104 and 39-16-105 , that the benefit involved was: (1) A trivial benefit incidental to personal, professional, or business contacts, which involves no substantial risk of undermining official impartiality; or (2) A lawful contribution made for the political campaign of an elective public servant when the public servant is a candidate for nomination or election to public office. Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1.
(a) It is an exception to the application of §§ 39-16-102 , 39-16-104 and 39-16-105 , that the benefit involved is a fee prescribed by law to be received by a public servant or any other benefit to which the public servant is lawfully entitled.
(b) It is a defense to prosecution under §§ 39-16-102 , 39-16-104 and 39-16-105 , that the benefit involved was: (1) A trivial benefit incidental to personal, professional, or business contacts, which involves no substantial risk of undermining official impartiality; or (2) A lawful contribution made for the political campaign of an elective public servant when the public servant is a candidate for nomination or election to public office.
(1) A trivial benefit incidental to personal, professional, or business contacts, which involves no substantial risk of undermining official impartiality; or
(2) A lawful contribution made for the political campaign of an elective public servant when the public servant is a candidate for nomination or election to public office.
Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-13-1002 — TN Code / Title 39 / Chapter 13 / Section 39-13-1002
Burglary
Status: in_force

(a) A person commits burglary who, without the effective consent of the property owner: (1) Enters a building other than a habitation, or any portion of the building, not open to the public, with intent to commit a felony, theft, or assault; (2) Remains concealed, with the intent to commit a felony, theft, or assault, in a building; (3) Enters a building and commits or attempts to commit a felony, theft, or assault; or (4) Enters any freight or passenger car, automobile, truck, trailer, boat, airplane, or other motor vehicle with intent to commit a felony, theft, or assault or commits or attempts to commit a felony, theft, or assault. (b) As used in this section, "enter" means: (1) Intrusion of any part of the body; or (2) Intrusion of any object in physical contact with the body or any object controlled by remote control, electronic or otherwise. (c) Burglary under subdivision (a)(1), (2), or (3) is a Class D felony. (d) Burglary under subdivision (a)(4) is a Class E felony. Added by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 545, s 2, eff. 7/1/2021.
(a) A person commits burglary who, without the effective consent of the property owner: (1) Enters a building other than a habitation, or any portion of the building, not open to the public, with intent to commit a felony, theft, or assault; (2) Remains concealed, with the intent to commit a felony, theft, or assault, in a building; (3) Enters a building and commits or attempts to commit a felony, theft, or assault; or (4) Enters any freight or passenger car, automobile, truck, trailer, boat, airplane, or other motor vehicle with intent to commit a felony, theft, or assault or commits or attempts to commit a felony, theft, or assault.
(1) Enters a building other than a habitation, or any portion of the building, not open to the public, with intent to commit a felony, theft, or assault;
(2) Remains concealed, with the intent to commit a felony, theft, or assault, in a building;
(3) Enters a building and commits or attempts to commit a felony, theft, or assault; or
(4) Enters any freight or passenger car, automobile, truck, trailer, boat, airplane, or other motor vehicle with intent to commit a felony, theft, or assault or commits or attempts to commit a felony, theft, or assault.
(b) As used in this section, "enter" means: (1) Intrusion of any part of the body; or (2) Intrusion of any object in physical contact with the body or any object controlled by remote control, electronic or otherwise.
(1) Intrusion of any part of the body; or
(2) Intrusion of any object in physical contact with the body or any object controlled by remote control, electronic or otherwise.
(c) Burglary under subdivision (a)(1), (2), or (3) is a Class D felony.
(d) Burglary under subdivision (a)(4) is a Class E felony.
Added by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 545, s 2, eff. 7/1/2021.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-11-604 — TN Code / Title 39 / Chapter 11 / Section 39-11-604
Reckless injury of innocent third person
Status: in_force

Even though a person is justified under this part in threatening or using force or deadly force against another, the justification afforded by this part is unavailable in a prosecution for harm to an innocent third person who is recklessly injured or recklessly killed by the use of such force. Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1.
Even though a person is justified under this part in threatening or using force or deadly force against another, the justification afforded by this part is unavailable in a prosecution for harm to an innocent third person who is recklessly injured or recklessly killed by the use of such force.
Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-411 — TN Code / Title 39 / Chapter 17 / Section 39-17-411
Criteria for Schedule IV
Status: in_force

The commissioner of mental health and substance abuse services, upon the agreement of the commissioner of health, shall place a substance in Schedule IV upon finding that: (1) The substance has a low potential for abuse relative to substances in Schedule III; (2) The substance has currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States; and (3) Abuse of the substance may lead to limited physical dependence or psychological dependence relative to the substances in Schedule III. Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1; 2010, ch. 1100, § 65; 2012, ch. 575, § 2.
The commissioner of mental health and substance abuse services, upon the agreement of the commissioner of health, shall place a substance in Schedule IV upon finding that:
(1) The substance has a low potential for abuse relative to substances in Schedule III;
(2) The substance has currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States; and
(3) Abuse of the substance may lead to limited physical dependence or psychological dependence relative to the substances in Schedule III.
Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1; 2010, ch. 1100, § 65; 2012, ch. 575, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-16-406 — TN Code / Title 39 / Chapter 16 / Section 39-16-406
Suspension, removal and discharge from office
Status: in_force

(a) A public servant convicted under § 39-16-402 , § 39-16-403 or § 39-16-404 shall be removed from office or discharged from the position. (b) A public servant elected or appointed for a specified term shall be: (1) Suspended without pay immediately upon conviction in the trial court through the final disposition of the case; (2) Removed from office for the duration of the term during which the conviction occurred if the conviction becomes final; and (3) Barred from holding any appointed or elected office for ten (10) years from the date the conviction becomes final. (c) A public servant who serves at-will shall be discharged upon conviction in the trial court. Subsequent public service shall rest with the hiring or appointing authority; provided, that the authority has been fully informed of the conviction. Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1.
(a) A public servant convicted under § 39-16-402 , § 39-16-403 or § 39-16-404 shall be removed from office or discharged from the position.
(b) A public servant elected or appointed for a specified term shall be: (1) Suspended without pay immediately upon conviction in the trial court through the final disposition of the case; (2) Removed from office for the duration of the term during which the conviction occurred if the conviction becomes final; and (3) Barred from holding any appointed or elected office for ten (10) years from the date the conviction becomes final.
(1) Suspended without pay immediately upon conviction in the trial court through the final disposition of the case;
(2) Removed from office for the duration of the term during which the conviction occurred if the conviction becomes final; and
(3) Barred from holding any appointed or elected office for ten (10) years from the date the conviction becomes final.
(c) A public servant who serves at-will shall be discharged upon conviction in the trial court. Subsequent public service shall rest with the hiring or appointing authority; provided, that the authority has been fully informed of the conviction.
Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-16-303 — TN Code / Title 39 / Chapter 16 / Section 39-16-303
Using a false identification
Status: in_force

(a) A person commits the offense of using a false identification who, for the purpose of obtaining goods, services or privileges to which the person is not otherwise entitled or eligible, uses a false identification. (b) A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor; however, if a violation of § 57-5-301(d)(3) or § 57-3-412(c) also constitutes a violation of this section, the offender shall be punished in accordance with those sections. Acts 1990, ch. 983, § 2; 2006, ch. 986, § 5.
(a) A person commits the offense of using a false identification who, for the purpose of obtaining goods, services or privileges to which the person is not otherwise entitled or eligible, uses a false identification.
(b) A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor; however, if a violation of § 57-5-301(d)(3) or § 57-3-412(c) also constitutes a violation of this section, the offender shall be punished in accordance with those sections.
Acts 1990, ch. 983, § 2; 2006, ch. 986, § 5.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-16-606 — TN Code / Title 39 / Chapter 16 / Section 39-16-606
Report of escape
Status: in_force

(a) Whenever a person convicted of a felony escapes from the custody of a penal institution, the appropriate warden, departmental official or law enforcement official responsible for the custody of the person shall immediately report the escape to the following persons: (1) Commissioner of correction; (2) Commissioner of safety; (3) Director of the Tennessee bureau of investigation; (4) The district attorney general of the judicial district in which the escape occurred; (5) The district attorney general of the judicial district in which the escapee was convicted, who shall make a reasonable effort to notify the victim when the conviction was for a crime of violence; (6) The sheriff of the county in which the escape occurred, and the sheriffs in the adjoining counties; (7) The sheriff of the county or chief of police in any county having a metropolitan form of government where the escapee was convicted; (8) The police department of any municipality, city or town, near the location of the escape; and (9) All trial judges involved in the case. (b) The report to the officials in subsection (a) shall include the facts of the escape, the time when it occurred and the circumstances under which it occurred, together with the particular description of the escapee, the escapee's age, size, complexion, race, color of hair and eyes, and from what county committed, for what offense, and when. Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1.
(a) Whenever a person convicted of a felony escapes from the custody of a penal institution, the appropriate warden, departmental official or law enforcement official responsible for the custody of the person shall immediately report the escape to the following persons: (1) Commissioner of correction; (2) Commissioner of safety; (3) Director of the Tennessee bureau of investigation; (4) The district attorney general of the judicial district in which the escape occurred; (5) The district attorney general of the judicial district in which the escapee was convicted, who shall make a reasonable effort to notify the victim when the conviction was for a crime of violence; (6) The sheriff of the county in which the escape occurred, and the sheriffs in the adjoining counties; (7) The sheriff of the county or chief of police in any county having a metropolitan form of government where the escapee was convicted; (8) The police department of any municipality, city or town, near the location of the escape; and (9) All trial judges involved in the case.
(1) Commissioner of correction;
(2) Commissioner of safety;
(3) Director of the Tennessee bureau of investigation;
(4) The district attorney general of the judicial district in which the escape occurred;
(5) The district attorney general of the judicial district in which the escapee was convicted, who shall make a reasonable effort to notify the victim when the conviction was for a crime of violence;
(6) The sheriff of the county in which the escape occurred, and the sheriffs in the adjoining counties;
(7) The sheriff of the county or chief of police in any county having a metropolitan form of government where the escapee was convicted;
(8) The police department of any municipality, city or town, near the location of the escape; and
(9) All trial judges involved in the case.
(b) The report to the officials in subsection (a) shall include the facts of the escape, the time when it occurred and the circumstances under which it occurred, together with the particular description of the escapee, the escapee's age, size, complexion, race, color of hair and eyes, and from what county committed, for what offense, and when.
Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-11-407 — TN Code / Title 39 / Chapter 11 / Section 39-11-407
Defenses excluded
Status: in_force

In a prosecution in which a person's criminal responsibility is based upon the conduct of another, the person may be convicted on proof of commission of the offense and that the person was a party to or facilitated its commission, and it is no defense that: (1) The other belongs to a class of persons who by definition of the offense is legally incapable of committing the offense in an individual capacity; or (2) The person for whose conduct the defendant is criminally responsible has been acquitted, has not been prosecuted or convicted, has been convicted of a different offense or different type or class of offense, or is immune from prosecution. Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1.
In a prosecution in which a person's criminal responsibility is based upon the conduct of another, the person may be convicted on proof of commission of the offense and that the person was a party to or facilitated its commission, and it is no defense that:
(1) The other belongs to a class of persons who by definition of the offense is legally incapable of committing the offense in an individual capacity; or
(2) The person for whose conduct the defendant is criminally responsible has been acquitted, has not been prosecuted or convicted, has been convicted of a different offense or different type or class of offense, or is immune from prosecution.
Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-11-503 — TN Code / Title 39 / Chapter 11 / Section 39-11-503
Intoxication
Status: in_force

(a) Except as provided in subsection (c), intoxication itself is not a defense to prosecution for an offense. However, intoxication, whether voluntary or involuntary, is admissible in evidence, if it is relevant to negate a culpable mental state. (b) If recklessness establishes an element of an offense and the person is unaware of a risk because of voluntary intoxication, the person's unawareness is immaterial in a prosecution for that offense. (c) Intoxication itself does not constitute a mental disease or defect within the meaning of § 39-11-501 . However, involuntary intoxication is a defense to prosecution, if, as a result of the involuntary intoxication, the person lacked substantial capacity either to appreciate the wrongfulness of the person's conduct or to conform that conduct to the requirements of the law allegedly violated. (d) The following definitions apply in this part, unless the context clearly requires otherwise: (1) "Intoxication" means disturbance of mental or physical capacity resulting from the introduction of any substance into the body; (2) "Involuntary intoxication" means intoxication that is not voluntary; and (3) "Voluntary intoxication" means intoxication caused by a substance that the person knowingly introduced into the person's body, the tendency of which to cause intoxication was known or ought to have been known. Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1.
(a) Except as provided in subsection (c), intoxication itself is not a defense to prosecution for an offense. However, intoxication, whether voluntary or involuntary, is admissible in evidence, if it is relevant to negate a culpable mental state.
(b) If recklessness establishes an element of an offense and the person is unaware of a risk because of voluntary intoxication, the person's unawareness is immaterial in a prosecution for that offense.
(c) Intoxication itself does not constitute a mental disease or defect within the meaning of § 39-11-501 . However, involuntary intoxication is a defense to prosecution, if, as a result of the involuntary intoxication, the person lacked substantial capacity either to appreciate the wrongfulness of the person's conduct or to conform that conduct to the requirements of the law allegedly violated.
(d) The following definitions apply in this part, unless the context clearly requires otherwise: (1) "Intoxication" means disturbance of mental or physical capacity resulting from the introduction of any substance into the body; (2) "Involuntary intoxication" means intoxication that is not voluntary; and (3) "Voluntary intoxication" means intoxication caused by a substance that the person knowingly introduced into the person's body, the tendency of which to cause intoxication was known or ought to have been known.
(1) "Intoxication" means disturbance of mental or physical capacity resulting from the introduction of any substance into the body;
(2) "Involuntary intoxication" means intoxication that is not voluntary; and
(3) "Voluntary intoxication" means intoxication caused by a substance that the person knowingly introduced into the person's body, the tendency of which to cause intoxication was known or ought to have been known.
Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-107 — TN Code / Title 39 / Chapter 17 / Section 39-17-107
Adulteration of food, liquids, or pharmaceuticals
Status: in_force

(a) It is an offense for a person to adulterate any food product or liquid that is manufactured, marketed, grown, or produced for human consumption or any pharmaceutical product that is designed, marketed, or prescribed for the diagnosis or treatment of a disease or medical condition by placing in, mixing with, or adding to the product or liquid, any object, liquid, powder or other substance with the intent to cause bodily injury, serious bodily injury or death to a user of the product or liquid. (b) (1) A violation of this section where the person intends to cause bodily injury is a Class C felony. (2) A violation of this section where the person intends to cause serious bodily injury or death is a Class B felony. Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1.
(a) It is an offense for a person to adulterate any food product or liquid that is manufactured, marketed, grown, or produced for human consumption or any pharmaceutical product that is designed, marketed, or prescribed for the diagnosis or treatment of a disease or medical condition by placing in, mixing with, or adding to the product or liquid, any object, liquid, powder or other substance with the intent to cause bodily injury, serious bodily injury or death to a user of the product or liquid.
(b) (1) A violation of this section where the person intends to cause bodily injury is a Class C felony. (2) A violation of this section where the person intends to cause serious bodily injury or death is a Class B felony.
(1) A violation of this section where the person intends to cause bodily injury is a Class C felony.
(2) A violation of this section where the person intends to cause serious bodily injury or death is a Class B felony.
Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-14-305 — TN Code / Title 39 / Chapter 14 / Section 39-14-305
Leaving fire near woodland unattended
Status: in_force

(a) It is unlawful for any person who originates or uses an open fire to leave that fire unattended without totally extinguishing the same within one hundred fifty feet (150') of forest or woodlands or within one hundred fifty feet (150') of other inflammable material, the setting fire to which inflammable material would naturally and proximately result in the fire being conveyed to forest or woodlands. (b) A violation of this section is a Class B misdemeanor. Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1.
(a) It is unlawful for any person who originates or uses an open fire to leave that fire unattended without totally extinguishing the same within one hundred fifty feet (150') of forest or woodlands or within one hundred fifty feet (150') of other inflammable material, the setting fire to which inflammable material would naturally and proximately result in the fire being conveyed to forest or woodlands.
(b) A violation of this section is a Class B misdemeanor.
Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-655 — TN Code / Title 39 / Chapter 17 / Section 39-17-655
Offenses involving financial accounting of an annual event
Status: in_force

(a) It is an offense for any person to knowingly: (1) Fail to file a financial accounting for an annual event as required pursuant to § 3-17-106 ; (2) Fail to timely file a financial accounting for an annual event as required pursuant to § 3-17-106 ; (3) Make a material false statement in any application, affidavit or statement made to the secretary of state in an application for an annual event; or (4) Make a material false entry or statement in a financial accounting that is compiled for an annual event or that is submitted to the secretary of state for an annual event. (b) (1) A violation of subdivision (a)(1) is a Class B misdemeanor; provided, however, that the maximum fine shall be the greater of: (A) Twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000); or (B) The amount of gross proceeds derived from the annual event. (2) A violation of subdivision (a)(2) is a Class C misdemeanor; provided, however, that the maximum fine shall be the lesser of: (A) Five thousand dollars ($5,000); or (B) The amount of gross proceeds derived from the annual event. (3) A violation of subdivision (a)(3) is a Class A misdemeanor; provided, however, that the maximum fine shall be fifty thousand dollars ($50,000). (4) A violation of subdivision (a)(4) is a Class A misdemeanor; provided, however, that the maximum fine shall be the greater of: (A) Fifty thousand dollars ($50,000); or (B) The dollar amount of the false entry or statement. Acts 2004, ch. 476, § 9.
(a) It is an offense for any person to knowingly: (1) Fail to file a financial accounting for an annual event as required pursuant to § 3-17-106 ; (2) Fail to timely file a financial accounting for an annual event as required pursuant to § 3-17-106 ; (3) Make a material false statement in any application, affidavit or statement made to the secretary of state in an application for an annual event; or (4) Make a material false entry or statement in a financial accounting that is compiled for an annual event or that is submitted to the secretary of state for an annual event.
(1) Fail to file a financial accounting for an annual event as required pursuant to § 3-17-106 ;
(2) Fail to timely file a financial accounting for an annual event as required pursuant to § 3-17-106 ;
(3) Make a material false statement in any application, affidavit or statement made to the secretary of state in an application for an annual event; or
(4) Make a material false entry or statement in a financial accounting that is compiled for an annual event or that is submitted to the secretary of state for an annual event.
(b) (1) A violation of subdivision (a)(1) is a Class B misdemeanor; provided, however, that the maximum fine shall be the greater of: (A) Twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000); or (B) The amount of gross proceeds derived from the annual event. (2) A violation of subdivision (a)(2) is a Class C misdemeanor; provided, however, that the maximum fine shall be the lesser of: (A) Five thousand dollars ($5,000); or (B) The amount of gross proceeds derived from the annual event. (3) A violation of subdivision (a)(3) is a Class A misdemeanor; provided, however, that the maximum fine shall be fifty thousand dollars ($50,000). (4) A violation of subdivision (a)(4) is a Class A misdemeanor; provided, however, that the maximum fine shall be the greater of: (A) Fifty thousand dollars ($50,000); or (B) The dollar amount of the false entry or statement.
(1) A violation of subdivision (a)(1) is a Class B misdemeanor; provided, however, that the maximum fine shall be the greater of: (A) Twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000); or (B) The amount of gross proceeds derived from the annual event.
(A) Twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000); or
(B) The amount of gross proceeds derived from the annual event.
(2) A violation of subdivision (a)(2) is a Class C misdemeanor; provided, however, that the maximum fine shall be the lesser of: (A) Five thousand dollars ($5,000); or (B) The amount of gross proceeds derived from the annual event.
(A) Five thousand dollars ($5,000); or
(B) The amount of gross proceeds derived from the annual event.
(3) A violation of subdivision (a)(3) is a Class A misdemeanor; provided, however, that the maximum fine shall be fifty thousand dollars ($50,000).
(4) A violation of subdivision (a)(4) is a Class A misdemeanor; provided, however, that the maximum fine shall be the greater of: (A) Fifty thousand dollars ($50,000); or (B) The dollar amount of the false entry or statement.
(A) Fifty thousand dollars ($50,000); or
(B) The dollar amount of the false entry or statement.
Acts 2004, ch. 476, § 9.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-1003 — TN Code / Title 39 / Chapter 17 / Section 39-17-1003
Offense of sexual exploitation of a minor
Status: in_force

(a) It is unlawful for any person to knowingly possess material that includes a minor engaged in: (1) Sexual activity; or (2) Simulated sexual activity that is patently offensive. (b) A person possessing material that violates subsection (a) may be charged in a separate count for each individual image, picture, drawing, photograph, motion picture film, videocassette tape, or other pictorial representation. Where the number of materials possessed is greater than fifty (50), the person may be charged in a single count to enhance the class of offense under subsection (d). (c) In a prosecution under this section, the trier of fact may consider the title, text, visual representation, internet history, physical development of the person depicted, expert medical testimony, expert computer forensic testimony, and any other relevant evidence, in determining whether a person knowingly possessed the material, or in determining whether the material or image otherwise represents or depicts that a participant is a minor. (d) A violation of this section is a Class D felony; however, if the number of individual images, materials, or combination of images and materials, that are possessed is more than fifty (50), then the offense shall be a Class C felony. If the number of individual images, materials, or combination of images and materials, exceeds one hundred (100), the offense shall be a Class B felony. (e) In a prosecution under this section, the state is not required to prove the actual identity or age of the minor. (f) It shall not be a defense to a violation of this section that a minor victim of the offense consented to the conduct that constituted the offense. Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 350,s 2, eff. 7/1/2013. Acts 1990, ch. 1092, § 7; 2005, ch. 496, § 2.
(a) It is unlawful for any person to knowingly possess material that includes a minor engaged in: (1) Sexual activity; or (2) Simulated sexual activity that is patently offensive.
(1) Sexual activity; or
(2) Simulated sexual activity that is patently offensive.
(b) A person possessing material that violates subsection (a) may be charged in a separate count for each individual image, picture, drawing, photograph, motion picture film, videocassette tape, or other pictorial representation. Where the number of materials possessed is greater than fifty (50), the person may be charged in a single count to enhance the class of offense under subsection (d).
(c) In a prosecution under this section, the trier of fact may consider the title, text, visual representation, internet history, physical development of the person depicted, expert medical testimony, expert computer forensic testimony, and any other relevant evidence, in determining whether a person knowingly possessed the material, or in determining whether the material or image otherwise represents or depicts that a participant is a minor.
(d) A violation of this section is a Class D felony; however, if the number of individual images, materials, or combination of images and materials, that are possessed is more than fifty (50), then the offense shall be a Class C felony. If the number of individual images, materials, or combination of images and materials, exceeds one hundred (100), the offense shall be a Class B felony.
(e) In a prosecution under this section, the state is not required to prove the actual identity or age of the minor.
(f) It shall not be a defense to a violation of this section that a minor victim of the offense consented to the conduct that constituted the offense.
Amended by 2013 Tenn. Acts, ch. 350,s 2, eff. 7/1/2013.
Acts 1990, ch. 1092, § 7; 2005, ch. 496, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-14-135 — TN Code / Title 39 / Chapter 14 / Section 39-14-135
Manufacture, sale or possession of farm implement without serial number
Status: in_force

(a) (1) No new tractor-drawn major farm implement manufactured as a self-contained unit after December 31, 1968, and designed to be pulled by or attached to a farm tractor and sold as a complete unit, shall be sold or offered for sale at wholesale or retail unless a manufacturer's serial number shall be prominently stamped on the equipment or on a piece of metal securely affixed to the equipment. (2) It shall be the responsibility of the manufacturer to see that such an implement is properly supplied with a serial number. (b) Any person who manufactures, distributes, sells or transfers any tractor-drawn major farm implement subject to the requirements of this section without a serial number prominently stamped on the equipment or on a piece of metal securely affixed thereto commits a Class A misdemeanor. (c) This section shall not apply to the sale of parts, components or accessories for major farm implements where serial numbers are not required by law. Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1.
(a) (1) No new tractor-drawn major farm implement manufactured as a self-contained unit after December 31, 1968, and designed to be pulled by or attached to a farm tractor and sold as a complete unit, shall be sold or offered for sale at wholesale or retail unless a manufacturer's serial number shall be prominently stamped on the equipment or on a piece of metal securely affixed to the equipment. (2) It shall be the responsibility of the manufacturer to see that such an implement is properly supplied with a serial number.
(1) No new tractor-drawn major farm implement manufactured as a self-contained unit after December 31, 1968, and designed to be pulled by or attached to a farm tractor and sold as a complete unit, shall be sold or offered for sale at wholesale or retail unless a manufacturer's serial number shall be prominently stamped on the equipment or on a piece of metal securely affixed to the equipment.
(2) It shall be the responsibility of the manufacturer to see that such an implement is properly supplied with a serial number.
(b) Any person who manufactures, distributes, sells or transfers any tractor-drawn major farm implement subject to the requirements of this section without a serial number prominently stamped on the equipment or on a piece of metal securely affixed thereto commits a Class A misdemeanor.
(c) This section shall not apply to the sale of parts, components or accessories for major farm implements where serial numbers are not required by law.
Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-16-102 — TN Code / Title 39 / Chapter 16 / Section 39-16-102
Bribery of public servant
Status: in_force

(a) A person commits an offense who: (1) Offers, confers, or agrees to confer any pecuniary benefit upon a public servant with the intent to influence the public servant's vote, opinion, judgment, exercise of discretion or other action in the public servant's official capacity; or (2) While a public servant, solicits, accepts or agrees to accept any pecuniary benefit upon an agreement or understanding that the public servant's vote, opinion, judgment, exercise of discretion or other action as a public servant will thereby be influenced. (b) (1) It is no defense to prosecution under this section that the person sought to be influenced was not qualified to act in the desired way because the person had not yet assumed office, lacked jurisdiction, or for any other reason. (2) It is no defense to prosecution under this section that the person who sought to influence a public official took action on behalf of a public or private organization or any other entity, for the purpose of organizing a campaign or for any other lawful purpose. (c) (1) Bribery of a public servant under subdivision (a)(1) is a Class B felony. (2) A public servant accepting or agreeing to accept a bribe under subdivision (a)(2) is a Class B felony. Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 982,s 1, eff. 7/1/2014. Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1; 2006 (1st Ex. Sess.), ch. 2, § 1.
(a) A person commits an offense who: (1) Offers, confers, or agrees to confer any pecuniary benefit upon a public servant with the intent to influence the public servant's vote, opinion, judgment, exercise of discretion or other action in the public servant's official capacity; or (2) While a public servant, solicits, accepts or agrees to accept any pecuniary benefit upon an agreement or understanding that the public servant's vote, opinion, judgment, exercise of discretion or other action as a public servant will thereby be influenced.
(1) Offers, confers, or agrees to confer any pecuniary benefit upon a public servant with the intent to influence the public servant's vote, opinion, judgment, exercise of discretion or other action in the public servant's official capacity; or
(2) While a public servant, solicits, accepts or agrees to accept any pecuniary benefit upon an agreement or understanding that the public servant's vote, opinion, judgment, exercise of discretion or other action as a public servant will thereby be influenced.
(b) (1) It is no defense to prosecution under this section that the person sought to be influenced was not qualified to act in the desired way because the person had not yet assumed office, lacked jurisdiction, or for any other reason. (2) It is no defense to prosecution under this section that the person who sought to influence a public official took action on behalf of a public or private organization or any other entity, for the purpose of organizing a campaign or for any other lawful purpose.
(1) It is no defense to prosecution under this section that the person sought to be influenced was not qualified to act in the desired way because the person had not yet assumed office, lacked jurisdiction, or for any other reason.
(2) It is no defense to prosecution under this section that the person who sought to influence a public official took action on behalf of a public or private organization or any other entity, for the purpose of organizing a campaign or for any other lawful purpose.
(c) (1) Bribery of a public servant under subdivision (a)(1) is a Class B felony. (2) A public servant accepting or agreeing to accept a bribe under subdivision (a)(2) is a Class B felony.
(1) Bribery of a public servant under subdivision (a)(1) is a Class B felony.
(2) A public servant accepting or agreeing to accept a bribe under subdivision (a)(2) is a Class B felony.
Amended by 2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 982,s 1, eff. 7/1/2014.
Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1; 2006 (1st Ex. Sess.), ch. 2, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-317 — TN Code / Title 39 / Chapter 17 / Section 39-17-317
Disorderly conduct at funerals
Status: in_force

(a) A person commits the offense of interfering with a funeral or burial, funeral home viewing of a deceased person, funeral procession, or funeral or memorial service for a deceased person, if the person acts to obstruct or interfere with such commemorative service by making any utterance, gesture, or display in a manner offensive to the sensibilities of an ordinary person. Picketing, protesting, or demonstrating at a funeral or memorial service shall be deemed offensive to the sensibilities of an ordinary person. (b) This section shall only apply to acts within five hundred feet (500') of a funeral or burial, funeral home viewing of a deceased person, funeral procession, or funeral or memorial service for a deceased person. (c) A violation of this section is a Class B misdemeanor. Acts 2006, ch. 543, § 1; 2011, ch. 373, § 1.
(a) A person commits the offense of interfering with a funeral or burial, funeral home viewing of a deceased person, funeral procession, or funeral or memorial service for a deceased person, if the person acts to obstruct or interfere with such commemorative service by making any utterance, gesture, or display in a manner offensive to the sensibilities of an ordinary person. Picketing, protesting, or demonstrating at a funeral or memorial service shall be deemed offensive to the sensibilities of an ordinary person.
(b) This section shall only apply to acts within five hundred feet (500') of a funeral or burial, funeral home viewing of a deceased person, funeral procession, or funeral or memorial service for a deceased person.
(c) A violation of this section is a Class B misdemeanor.
Acts 2006, ch. 543, § 1; 2011, ch. 373, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-14-214 — TN Code / Title 39 / Chapter 14 / Section 39-14-214
Criminal offenses against animals
Status: in_force

(a) A person commits an offense who knowingly: (1) Engages in any sexual activity with an animal; (2) Causes, aids, or abets another person to engage in any sexual activity with an animal; (3) Permits any sexual activity with an animal to be conducted on any premises under the person's charge or control; (4) Engages in, organizes, promotes, conducts, advertises, aids, abets, participates in as an observer, or performs any service in the furtherance of an act involving any sexual activity with an animal for a commercial or recreational purpose; or (5) Photographs or films, for purposes of sexual gratification, a person engaged in a sexual activity with an animal. (b) A violation of this section is a Class E felony. (c) In addition to the penalty imposed in subsection (b): (1) The court may order that the convicted person do any of the following: (A) Not harbor or own animals or reside in any household where animals are present; (B) Participate in appropriate counseling at the defendant's expense; or (C) Reimburse the animal shelter or humane society for any reasonable costs incurred for the care and maintenance of any animals taken to the animal shelter or humane society as a result of conduct proscribed in subsection (a); and (2) Notwithstanding § 40-35-111 , the court shall prohibit the convicted person from having custody of any companion animal, as defined in § 39-14-212(b) , for a period of at least two (2) years from the date of conviction and may impose a lifetime prohibition. The court shall prohibit any person convicted of a second or subsequent offense under this section from having custody of any companion animal for the person's lifetime. (d) Nothing in this section may be considered to prohibit accepted animal husbandry practices or accepted veterinary medical practices. (e) If the court has reasonable grounds to believe that a violation of this section has occurred, the court may order the seizure of all animals involved in the alleged violation as a condition of bond of a person charged with a violation. (f) For purposes of this section: (1) "Animal" has the same meaning as the term is defined in § 63-12-103 ; (2) "Photographs" or "films" means the making of a photograph, motion picture film, videotape, digital image, or any other recording, sale, or transmission of the image; and (3) "Sexual activity" means physical sexual contact between the person and the animal. Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 570, s 3, eff. 7/1/2020. Acts 2007 , ch. 510, § 1.
(a) A person commits an offense who knowingly: (1) Engages in any sexual activity with an animal; (2) Causes, aids, or abets another person to engage in any sexual activity with an animal; (3) Permits any sexual activity with an animal to be conducted on any premises under the person's charge or control; (4) Engages in, organizes, promotes, conducts, advertises, aids, abets, participates in as an observer, or performs any service in the furtherance of an act involving any sexual activity with an animal for a commercial or recreational purpose; or (5) Photographs or films, for purposes of sexual gratification, a person engaged in a sexual activity with an animal.
(1) Engages in any sexual activity with an animal;
(2) Causes, aids, or abets another person to engage in any sexual activity with an animal;
(3) Permits any sexual activity with an animal to be conducted on any premises under the person's charge or control;
(4) Engages in, organizes, promotes, conducts, advertises, aids, abets, participates in as an observer, or performs any service in the furtherance of an act involving any sexual activity with an animal for a commercial or recreational purpose; or
(5) Photographs or films, for purposes of sexual gratification, a person engaged in a sexual activity with an animal.
(b) A violation of this section is a Class E felony.
(c) In addition to the penalty imposed in subsection (b): (1) The court may order that the convicted person do any of the following: (A) Not harbor or own animals or reside in any household where animals are present; (B) Participate in appropriate counseling at the defendant's expense; or (C) Reimburse the animal shelter or humane society for any reasonable costs incurred for the care and maintenance of any animals taken to the animal shelter or humane society as a result of conduct proscribed in subsection (a); and (2) Notwithstanding § 40-35-111 , the court shall prohibit the convicted person from having custody of any companion animal, as defined in § 39-14-212(b) , for a period of at least two (2) years from the date of conviction and may impose a lifetime prohibition. The court shall prohibit any person convicted of a second or subsequent offense under this section from having custody of any companion animal for the person's lifetime.
(1) The court may order that the convicted person do any of the following: (A) Not harbor or own animals or reside in any household where animals are present; (B) Participate in appropriate counseling at the defendant's expense; or (C) Reimburse the animal shelter or humane society for any reasonable costs incurred for the care and maintenance of any animals taken to the animal shelter or humane society as a result of conduct proscribed in subsection (a); and
(A) Not harbor or own animals or reside in any household where animals are present;
(B) Participate in appropriate counseling at the defendant's expense; or
(C) Reimburse the animal shelter or humane society for any reasonable costs incurred for the care and maintenance of any animals taken to the animal shelter or humane society as a result of conduct proscribed in subsection (a); and
(2) Notwithstanding § 40-35-111 , the court shall prohibit the convicted person from having custody of any companion animal, as defined in § 39-14-212(b) , for a period of at least two (2) years from the date of conviction and may impose a lifetime prohibition. The court shall prohibit any person convicted of a second or subsequent offense under this section from having custody of any companion animal for the person's lifetime.
(d) Nothing in this section may be considered to prohibit accepted animal husbandry practices or accepted veterinary medical practices.
(e) If the court has reasonable grounds to believe that a violation of this section has occurred, the court may order the seizure of all animals involved in the alleged violation as a condition of bond of a person charged with a violation.
(f) For purposes of this section: (1) "Animal" has the same meaning as the term is defined in § 63-12-103 ; (2) "Photographs" or "films" means the making of a photograph, motion picture film, videotape, digital image, or any other recording, sale, or transmission of the image; and (3) "Sexual activity" means physical sexual contact between the person and the animal.
(1) "Animal" has the same meaning as the term is defined in § 63-12-103 ;
(2) "Photographs" or "films" means the making of a photograph, motion picture film, videotape, digital image, or any other recording, sale, or transmission of the image; and
(3) "Sexual activity" means physical sexual contact between the person and the animal.
Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 570, s 3, eff. 7/1/2020.
Acts 2007 , ch. 510, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-16-514 — TN Code / Title 39 / Chapter 16 / Section 39-16-514
Dismissal of employee because of jury service
Status: in_force

It is a Class A misdemeanor for any employer to dismiss from employment any employee because of jury service by that employee. Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1.
It is a Class A misdemeanor for any employer to dismiss from employment any employee because of jury service by that employee.
Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-13-812 — TN Code / Title 39 / Chapter 13 / Section 39-13-812
Immunity for report of suspicious activity or behavior
Status: in_force

(a) A person who in good faith makes a report of suspicious activity or behavior shall be immune from civil and criminal liability for the making of the report if the report is based on articulable suspicion. (b) As used in this section, "report of suspicious activity or behavior" means any communication to a law enforcement officer or agency or other appropriate authority of the behavior or activity of another person if the report is made with the articulable belief that the behavior or activity constitutes or is in furtherance of an act of terrorism. (c) This section shall not apply to the intentional making of a report known to be false, including a violation of § 39-16-502 , or to a report made with reckless disregard for the truth of the report. Added by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 208,s 1, eff. 4/19/2017.
(a) A person who in good faith makes a report of suspicious activity or behavior shall be immune from civil and criminal liability for the making of the report if the report is based on articulable suspicion.
(b) As used in this section, "report of suspicious activity or behavior" means any communication to a law enforcement officer or agency or other appropriate authority of the behavior or activity of another person if the report is made with the articulable belief that the behavior or activity constitutes or is in furtherance of an act of terrorism.
(c) This section shall not apply to the intentional making of a report known to be false, including a violation of § 39-16-502 , or to a report made with reckless disregard for the truth of the report.
Added by 2017 Tenn. Acts, ch. 208,s 1, eff. 4/19/2017.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-919 — TN Code / Title 39 / Chapter 17 / Section 39-17-919
Injunctions
Status: in_force

(a) If the district attorney general is of the opinion that § 39-17-911 or § 39-17-914 is being violated, the district attorney general may file a petition in a circuit, chancery or criminal court of that district relating the opinion, and request the court to issue a temporary restraining order or a temporary injunction enjoining the person named in the petition from removing the material in question from the jurisdiction of the court pending an adversary hearing on the petition. (b) If a temporary restraining order or, after notice, a temporary injunction is so issued, the person enjoined shall answer within the time set by the court, which time shall be set by the court at not more than sixty (60) days. (c) The adversary hearing on the petition shall be held within two (2) days after the joinder of issues. (d) At the conclusion of the hearing, or within two (2) days thereafter, the court will determine whether or not the material in question is in violation of § 39-17-911 or § 39-17-914 . (e) (1) On a finding of a violation, the court shall grant a temporary injunction or continue its injunction in full force and effect for a period not to exceed forty-five (45) days or until an indictment on the matter has been submitted to the grand jury. (2) If forty-five (45) days elapse and the grand jury has taken no action, the injunction terminates. (3) The injunction also terminates on the grand jury returning a no true bill. (f) On the return of a true bill of indictment, the court shall order the material in question delivered into the hands of the court clerk or district attorney general, there to be held as evidence in the case. Acts 1990, ch. 1092, § 10.
(a) If the district attorney general is of the opinion that § 39-17-911 or § 39-17-914 is being violated, the district attorney general may file a petition in a circuit, chancery or criminal court of that district relating the opinion, and request the court to issue a temporary restraining order or a temporary injunction enjoining the person named in the petition from removing the material in question from the jurisdiction of the court pending an adversary hearing on the petition.
(b) If a temporary restraining order or, after notice, a temporary injunction is so issued, the person enjoined shall answer within the time set by the court, which time shall be set by the court at not more than sixty (60) days.
(c) The adversary hearing on the petition shall be held within two (2) days after the joinder of issues.
(d) At the conclusion of the hearing, or within two (2) days thereafter, the court will determine whether or not the material in question is in violation of § 39-17-911 or § 39-17-914 .
(e) (1) On a finding of a violation, the court shall grant a temporary injunction or continue its injunction in full force and effect for a period not to exceed forty-five (45) days or until an indictment on the matter has been submitted to the grand jury. (2) If forty-five (45) days elapse and the grand jury has taken no action, the injunction terminates. (3) The injunction also terminates on the grand jury returning a no true bill.
(1) On a finding of a violation, the court shall grant a temporary injunction or continue its injunction in full force and effect for a period not to exceed forty-five (45) days or until an indictment on the matter has been submitted to the grand jury.
(2) If forty-five (45) days elapse and the grand jury has taken no action, the injunction terminates.
(3) The injunction also terminates on the grand jury returning a no true bill.
(f) On the return of a true bill of indictment, the court shall order the material in question delivered into the hands of the court clerk or district attorney general, there to be held as evidence in the case.
Acts 1990, ch. 1092, § 10.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-14-306 — TN Code / Title 39 / Chapter 14 / Section 39-14-306
Setting fires at certain times without permit
Status: in_force

(a) (1) It is unlawful for any person to start an open-air fire between October 15 and May 15, inclusive, within five hundred feet (500') of any forest, grasslands or woodlands without first securing a permit from the state forester or the state forester's duly authorized representative. Depending upon the potential for hazardous burning conditions, the state forester may prescribe a period other than October 15 to May 15 within which a permit must be obtained prior to starting an open-air fire. (2) A violation of this subsection (a) is a Class C misdemeanor. (b) (1) In extreme fire hazard conditions, the commissioner of agriculture, in consultation with the state forester and the county mayors of impacted counties, may issue a burning ban prohibiting all open air fire in any area of the state. (2) A violation of this subsection (b) is reckless burning and punishable as a Class A misdemeanor as provided in § 39-14-304 . (c) This section shall not apply to fires that may be set within the corporate limits of any incorporated town or city that has passed ordinances controlling the setting of fires. Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1; 1991, ch. 46, § 2; 1999, ch. 209, § 1; 2008, ch. 786, § 2.
(a) (1) It is unlawful for any person to start an open-air fire between October 15 and May 15, inclusive, within five hundred feet (500') of any forest, grasslands or woodlands without first securing a permit from the state forester or the state forester's duly authorized representative. Depending upon the potential for hazardous burning conditions, the state forester may prescribe a period other than October 15 to May 15 within which a permit must be obtained prior to starting an open-air fire. (2) A violation of this subsection (a) is a Class C misdemeanor.
(1) It is unlawful for any person to start an open-air fire between October 15 and May 15, inclusive, within five hundred feet (500') of any forest, grasslands or woodlands without first securing a permit from the state forester or the state forester's duly authorized representative. Depending upon the potential for hazardous burning conditions, the state forester may prescribe a period other than October 15 to May 15 within which a permit must be obtained prior to starting an open-air fire.
(2) A violation of this subsection (a) is a Class C misdemeanor.
(b) (1) In extreme fire hazard conditions, the commissioner of agriculture, in consultation with the state forester and the county mayors of impacted counties, may issue a burning ban prohibiting all open air fire in any area of the state. (2) A violation of this subsection (b) is reckless burning and punishable as a Class A misdemeanor as provided in § 39-14-304 .
(1) In extreme fire hazard conditions, the commissioner of agriculture, in consultation with the state forester and the county mayors of impacted counties, may issue a burning ban prohibiting all open air fire in any area of the state.
(2) A violation of this subsection (b) is reckless burning and punishable as a Class A misdemeanor as provided in § 39-14-304 .
(c) This section shall not apply to fires that may be set within the corporate limits of any incorporated town or city that has passed ordinances controlling the setting of fires.
Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1; 1991, ch. 46, § 2; 1999, ch. 209, § 1; 2008, ch. 786, § 2.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-508 — TN Code / Title 39 / Chapter 17 / Section 39-17-508
Premiums at fairs
Status: in_force

It is lawful and not in violation of this part for a person, upon complying with the rules of public fairs, to enter and contend for any and all premiums as may be offered at such fairs. Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1.
It is lawful and not in violation of this part for a person, upon complying with the rules of public fairs, to enter and contend for any and all premiums as may be offered at such fairs.
Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-11-102 — TN Code / Title 39 / Chapter 11 / Section 39-11-102
Effect of criminal code
Status: in_force

(a) Conduct does not constitute an offense unless it is defined as an offense by statute, municipal ordinance, or rule authorized by and lawfully adopted under a statute. (b) Parts 1-6 of this chapter apply to offenses defined by other laws, unless otherwise provided by law. (c) This title does not bar, suspend, or otherwise affect any right or liability to damages, penalty, forfeiture, or other remedy authorized by law to be recovered or enforced in a civil suit for conduct the criminal code defines as an offense, and the civil injury is not merged into the offense. Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1.
(a) Conduct does not constitute an offense unless it is defined as an offense by statute, municipal ordinance, or rule authorized by and lawfully adopted under a statute.
(b) Parts 1-6 of this chapter apply to offenses defined by other laws, unless otherwise provided by law.
(c) This title does not bar, suspend, or otherwise affect any right or liability to damages, penalty, forfeiture, or other remedy authorized by law to be recovered or enforced in a civil suit for conduct the criminal code defines as an offense, and the civil injury is not merged into the offense.
Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-14-805 — TN Code / Title 39 / Chapter 14 / Section 39-14-805
Powers and duties of commissioner
Status: in_force

For purposes of enforcing this part, the commissioner: (1) May investigate any offense under this part; (2) May seek the assistance of any law enforcement agency of the United States, the state, or any local government in the conduct of the investigations; and (3) Shall coordinate the investigation to the maximum extent practicable, with the investigations of any law enforcement agency of the United States, the state, or any local government. Acts 1992, ch. 782, § 6.
For purposes of enforcing this part, the commissioner:
(1) May investigate any offense under this part;
(2) May seek the assistance of any law enforcement agency of the United States, the state, or any local government in the conduct of the investigations; and
(3) Shall coordinate the investigation to the maximum extent practicable, with the investigations of any law enforcement agency of the United States, the state, or any local government.
Acts 1992, ch. 782, § 6.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-15-101 — TN Code / Title 39 / Chapter 15 / Section 39-15-101
Nonsupport and flagrant nonsupport
Status: in_force

(a) A person commits the crime of nonsupport who fails to provide support which that person is able to provide and knows the person has a duty to provide to a minor child or to a child or spouse who, because of physical or mental disability, is unable to be self-supporting. (b) "Child" includes legitimate children and children whose parentage has been admitted by the person charged or established by judicial action. (c) "Support" includes, but is not limited to, financial assistance, food, shelter, clothing, medical attention or, if determined elsewhere by law, other necessary care. (d) A person commits the offense of flagrant nonsupport who: (1) Leaves or remains without the state to avoid a legal duty of support; or (2) Having been convicted one (1) or more times of nonsupport or flagrant nonsupport, is convicted of a subsequent offense under this section. (e) (1) Nonsupport under subsection (a) is a Class A misdemeanor. (2) Flagrant nonsupport under subsection (d) is a Class E felony. Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1.
(a) A person commits the crime of nonsupport who fails to provide support which that person is able to provide and knows the person has a duty to provide to a minor child or to a child or spouse who, because of physical or mental disability, is unable to be self-supporting.
(b) "Child" includes legitimate children and children whose parentage has been admitted by the person charged or established by judicial action.
(c) "Support" includes, but is not limited to, financial assistance, food, shelter, clothing, medical attention or, if determined elsewhere by law, other necessary care.
(d) A person commits the offense of flagrant nonsupport who: (1) Leaves or remains without the state to avoid a legal duty of support; or (2) Having been convicted one (1) or more times of nonsupport or flagrant nonsupport, is convicted of a subsequent offense under this section.
(1) Leaves or remains without the state to avoid a legal duty of support; or
(2) Having been convicted one (1) or more times of nonsupport or flagrant nonsupport, is convicted of a subsequent offense under this section.
(e) (1) Nonsupport under subsection (a) is a Class A misdemeanor. (2) Flagrant nonsupport under subsection (d) is a Class E felony.
(1) Nonsupport under subsection (a) is a Class A misdemeanor.
(2) Flagrant nonsupport under subsection (d) is a Class E felony.
Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-14-136 — TN Code / Title 39 / Chapter 14 / Section 39-14-136
Falsifying of educational and academic documents
Status: in_force

(a) A person commits the offense of falsifying educational and academic documents who buys, sells, creates, duplicates, alters, gives or obtains a diploma, academic record, certificate of enrollment or other instrument which purports to signify merit or achievement conferred by an institution of education with the intent to use fraudulently that document or to allow the fraudulent use of the document. (b) A violation of this section is a Class A misdemeanor. Acts 1990, ch. 983, § 3.
(a) A person commits the offense of falsifying educational and academic documents who buys, sells, creates, duplicates, alters, gives or obtains a diploma, academic record, certificate of enrollment or other instrument which purports to signify merit or achievement conferred by an institution of education with the intent to use fraudulently that document or to allow the fraudulent use of the document.
(b) A violation of this section is a Class A misdemeanor.
Acts 1990, ch. 983, § 3.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-606 — TN Code / Title 39 / Chapter 17 / Section 39-17-606
Signage
Status: in_force

(a) Each state lottery retailer shall display, in a prominent place at the location where the retailer sells lottery tickets or shares, a sign, at least seventeen inches (17") high and twenty-two inches (22") wide, stating: ATTENTION: STATE LAW STRICTLY PROHIBITS THE SALE OF LOTTERY TICKETS TO PERSONS UNDER THE AGE OF EIGHTEEN (18) YEARS; PROOF OF AGE MAY BE REQUIRED FOR PURCHASE. * * * ATENCION: POR LEY DEL ESTADO DE TENNESSEE ES ESTRICTAMENTE PROHIBIDO VENDER BOLETAS DE LOTERIA A PERSONAS MENORES DE DIECIOCHO AÑOS; PRUEBA DE EDAD PUEDE SER REQUERIDA PARA COMPRARLAS. (b) A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor. Acts 2003 , ch. 297, § 8.
(a) Each state lottery retailer shall display, in a prominent place at the location where the retailer sells lottery tickets or shares, a sign, at least seventeen inches (17") high and twenty-two inches (22") wide, stating: ATTENTION: STATE LAW STRICTLY PROHIBITS THE SALE OF LOTTERY TICKETS TO PERSONS UNDER THE AGE OF EIGHTEEN (18) YEARS; PROOF OF AGE MAY BE REQUIRED FOR PURCHASE. * * * ATENCION: POR LEY DEL ESTADO DE TENNESSEE ES ESTRICTAMENTE PROHIBIDO VENDER BOLETAS DE LOTERIA A PERSONAS MENORES DE DIECIOCHO AÑOS; PRUEBA DE EDAD PUEDE SER REQUERIDA PARA COMPRARLAS.
ATTENTION: STATE LAW STRICTLY PROHIBITS THE SALE OF LOTTERY TICKETS TO PERSONS UNDER THE AGE OF EIGHTEEN (18) YEARS; PROOF OF AGE MAY BE REQUIRED FOR PURCHASE.
* * *
ATENCION: POR LEY DEL ESTADO DE TENNESSEE ES ESTRICTAMENTE PROHIBIDO VENDER BOLETAS DE LOTERIA A PERSONAS MENORES DE DIECIOCHO AÑOS; PRUEBA DE EDAD PUEDE SER REQUERIDA PARA COMPRARLAS.
(b) A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
Acts 2003 , ch. 297, § 8.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-13-403 — TN Code / Title 39 / Chapter 13 / Section 39-13-403
Especially aggravated robbery
Status: in_force

(a) Especially aggravated robbery is robbery as defined in § 39-13-401 : (1) Accomplished with a deadly weapon; and (2) Where the victim suffers serious bodily injury. (b) Especially aggravated robbery is a Class A felony. Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1.
(a) Especially aggravated robbery is robbery as defined in § 39-13-401 : (1) Accomplished with a deadly weapon; and (2) Where the victim suffers serious bodily injury.
(1) Accomplished with a deadly weapon; and
(2) Where the victim suffers serious bodily injury.
(b) Especially aggravated robbery is a Class A felony.
Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-14-705 — TN Code / Title 39 / Chapter 14 / Section 39-14-705
Criminal intent of possession of fob programing equipment prohibited - Penalty
Status: in_force

(a) It is an offense to possess a device, tool, machine, implement, or other item capable of programming a smart key or key fob with the intent to use it or allow it to be used to commit theft. (b) A violation of this section is a Class A misdemeanor. Added by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 304, s 1, eff. 7/1/2023.
(a) It is an offense to possess a device, tool, machine, implement, or other item capable of programming a smart key or key fob with the intent to use it or allow it to be used to commit theft.
(b) A violation of this section is a Class A misdemeanor.
Added by 2023 Tenn. Acts, ch. 304, s 1, eff. 7/1/2023.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-16-408 — TN Code / Title 39 / Chapter 16 / Section 39-16-408
Sexual contact with inmates
Status: in_force

(a) For purposes of this section, unless the context otherwise requires: (1) "Law enforcement officer" and "correctional employee" include a person working in that capacity as a private contractor or employee of a private contractor; and (2) "Volunteer" means any person who, after fulfilling the appropriate policy requirements, is assigned to a volunteer job and provides a service without pay from the correctional agency, except for compensation for those expenses incurred directly as a result of the volunteer service. (b) It is an offense for a law enforcement officer, correctional employee, vendor or volunteer to engage in sexual contact or sexual penetration, as such terms are defined in § 39-13-501 , with a prisoner or inmate who is in custody at a penal institution as defined in § 39-16-601 , whether the conduct occurs on or off the grounds of the institution. (c) A violation of this section is a Class E felony. Acts 1997, ch. 388, § 1; T.C.A. § 41-21-241 ; Acts 2006, ch. 1005, § 2.
(a) For purposes of this section, unless the context otherwise requires: (1) "Law enforcement officer" and "correctional employee" include a person working in that capacity as a private contractor or employee of a private contractor; and (2) "Volunteer" means any person who, after fulfilling the appropriate policy requirements, is assigned to a volunteer job and provides a service without pay from the correctional agency, except for compensation for those expenses incurred directly as a result of the volunteer service.
(1) "Law enforcement officer" and "correctional employee" include a person working in that capacity as a private contractor or employee of a private contractor; and
(2) "Volunteer" means any person who, after fulfilling the appropriate policy requirements, is assigned to a volunteer job and provides a service without pay from the correctional agency, except for compensation for those expenses incurred directly as a result of the volunteer service.
(b) It is an offense for a law enforcement officer, correctional employee, vendor or volunteer to engage in sexual contact or sexual penetration, as such terms are defined in § 39-13-501 , with a prisoner or inmate who is in custody at a penal institution as defined in § 39-16-601 , whether the conduct occurs on or off the grounds of the institution.
(c) A violation of this section is a Class E felony.
Acts 1997, ch. 388, § 1; T.C.A. § 41-21-241 ; Acts 2006, ch. 1005, § 2.