Legislative Recap: Tennessee Gets Tough on Crime & Stands with Victims

Public safety is the government's most fundamental responsibility. When criminals run free and victims are ignored, society breaks down. Unfortunately, we've seen too many places across America where soft-on-crime policies have led to chaos in the streets and justice denied to those who need it most.

Not in Tennessee. During the 114th General Assembly, Republicans passed comprehensive legislation to protect victims, strengthen penalties for criminals, and support our brave law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line every day.

Putting Victims First:

• Savanna's Law - Domestic Violence Registry (HB1200) - We established a comprehensive domestic violence registry to track repeat offenders and protect future victims. This law is named for victims like Savanna, whose tragic story reminds us that domestic violence often escalates without intervention. Law enforcement and potential victims now have better tools to identify dangerous individuals with histories of domestic abuse.

• Marsy's Law - Constitutional Rights for Victims (SJR9) - We passed a Joint Resolution. The people get to vote on it being a constitutional amendment in the 2026 Governor's election to ensure that crime victims have enforceable rights throughout the criminal justice process. For too long, our system has focused on criminals' rights while ignoring victims' needs. Marsy's Law ensures that victims have the right to be informed, present, and heard during legal proceedings. It also protects victims from intimidation and ensures they receive timely notification about their cases.

  
  

Enhanced Criminal Penalties:

• Tougher Vehicular Homicide Penalties (HB190) - We strengthened penalties for those who kill others through reckless driving. When someone's criminal negligence behind the wheel takes a life, they must face serious consequences. These enhanced penalties reflect the devastating impact vehicular homicide has on families and communities.

• Constitutional Amendment on Bail (SJR25) - We passed the Joint Resolution for 2nd time with super majority vote and now it will go to a vote by the people during the 2026 Gov election allowing judges to deny bail to defendants charged with violent offenses who pose a danger to the community. Violent criminals shouldn't be released to commit more crimes while awaiting trial. This amendment puts public safety first.

• Expanded Sex Offender Penalties (HB1352) - We increased penalties for those who prey on children and vulnerable adults. Sex offenders destroy lives and families - they deserve the harshest consequences our justice system can deliver.

• Defined Robbery as Violent Crime (HB579) - We properly classified robbery as a crime of violence, ensuring appropriate penalties for those who use force or intimidation to steal from others. This classification triggers enhanced sentencing guidelines that reflect the serious nature of these crimes.

  
  

Addressing Modern Threats:

We strengthened penalties for hate crimes while improving public safety measures. Crimes motivated by hatred toward specific groups create fear throughout entire communities. Enhanced penalties send a clear message that such behavior won't be tolerated in Tennessee.

• Tougher THC Distribution to Minors (HB72) - We created stronger penalties for those who distribute THC products to children. As marijuana laws change across the country, we must ensure children are protected from harmful substances that can damage developing brains and futures.

• Human Smuggling Offense (HB322) - We created specific criminal penalties for human smuggling and trafficking. These crimes exploit vulnerable people while enriching criminal organizations. Our new laws give prosecutors better tools to fight human trafficking networks.

  
  

Supporting Law Enforcement and Justice:

• Mental Health Evaluations for Certain Crimes (HB1089) - We required mental health evaluations for those convicted of certain crimes, including child abuse and animal cruelty. Research shows connections between violence against animals and violence against humans. These evaluations help identify dangerous individuals who may pose ongoing threats.

• Expanded Good Samaritan Law (HB995) - We extended Good Samaritan protections to include alcohol overdoses, encouraging individuals to seek help in medical emergencies without fear of legal consequences. This law saves lives by removing barriers to emergency medical assistance.

• Why Strong Law Enforcement Matters: Crime isn't just about statistics - it's about real people whose lives are shattered by criminal violence. Every family that loses a loved one to drunk driving, every child exploited by predators, every woman terrorized by domestic violence deserves justice.

• Supporting Our Officers: We also continue to support our law enforcement officers, who risk everything to keep us safe. They face increasing dangers and decreasing support in many places, but not in Tennessee. We back the blue because they back us.

  
  

The Results: Tennessee remains one of the safest states in the nation because we take crime seriously. We don't make excuses for criminals or blame society for individual choices. We hold people accountable for their actions and support victims who deserve justice.

Looking Forward: We'll continue strengthening criminal justice laws while supporting victims and law enforcement. Public safety isn't negotiable - it's the foundation upon which all other freedoms rest.

When criminals fear consequences and victims receive justice, everyone benefits. That's the Tennessee way.

Standing with Victims and Officers,

Michele Reneau

TN State Representative

District 27, Hamilton County