All Roll Calls
Yes: 166 • No: 22
TennesseeSB 1225114th General Assembly (2025-2026)Senate
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 37; Title 39 and Title 40, relative to criminal offenses.
Sponsored By: Sponsor information unavailable
Signed by Governor
Criminal Offenses
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Stronger self-defense protection for human trafficking victims
Effective upon becoming law, Tennessee adds a self-defense protection for human trafficking victims. The law presumes victims reasonably feared immediate death or serious bodily injury when using force intended or likely to cause either. The force must target someone committing or attempting a covered offense against that victim. Victims must prove their victim status with clear and convincing evidence; testimony can count. Covered offenses include involuntary labor servitude, trafficking for forced labor or services, and trafficking for a commercial sex act. They also include patronizing prostitution involving someone under 18, someone with an intellectual disability, or an officer posing as a minor. Promoting prostitution involving someone older than 12 but younger than 18, or someone with an intellectual disability, also qualifies. Promoting the prostitution of a minor is covered too.
Obstruction rules now cover more blocked passageways
Effective upon becoming law, Tennessee expands a criminal-justice rule covering highway obstruction to include obstruction of other passageways. People blocking those passageways now fall within that rule's scope. The supplied text does not explain the rule's further legal consequences.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsors
There is no primary sponsor on record.
Cosponsors
Paul Bailey
Republican • Senate
Janice Bowling
Republican • Senate
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 4/16/2026
FLOOR VOTE: Motion to Concur House Amendment # 1 4/16/2026
Yes: 25 • No: 3
House vote • 4/14/2026
FLOOR VOTE: REGULAR CALENDAR AS AMENDED PASSAGE ON THIRD CONSIDERATION 4/14/2026
Yes: 79 • No: 13
Senate vote • 3/19/2026
FLOOR VOTE: Motion to Adopt Division 2 Division of Question Amend# 1 by Senator Gardenhire 3/19/2026
Yes: 27 • No: 5
Senate vote • 3/19/2026
FLOOR VOTE: as Amended Third Consideration 3/19/2026
Yes: 28 • No: 0
Senate vote • 3/9/2026
SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE
Yes: 7 • No: 1
Actions Timeline
Effective date(s) 05/05/2026
5/18/2026Pub. Ch. 886
5/18/2026Signed by Governor.
5/5/2026SenateTransmitted to Governor for action.
4/23/2026SenateSigned by H. Speaker
4/21/2026HouseSigned by Senate Speaker
4/21/2026SenateEnrolled and ready for signatures
4/20/2026SenateConcurred, Ayes 25, Nays 3 (Amendment 1 - HA0988)
4/16/2026SenatePlaced on Senate Message Calendar for 4/16/2026
4/15/2026SenatePlaced on Senate Message Calendar for 4/16/2026
4/14/2026SenatePassed H., as am., Ayes 79, Nays 13, PNV 6
4/14/2026HouseH. adopted am. (Amendment 1 - HA0988)
4/14/2026HouseSubst. for comp. HB.
4/14/2026HouseRcvd. from S., held on H. desk.
3/23/2026HouseEngrossed; ready for transmission to House
3/19/2026SenateSponsor(s) Added.
3/19/2026SenatePassed Senate as amended, Ayes 28, Nays 0, PNV 5
3/19/2026SenateSenate adopted Amendment (Amendment 1 - SA0621 Division two), Ayes 27, Nays 6
3/19/2026SenateSenate adopted Amendment (Amendment 1 - SA0621 Division one), Voice Vote
3/19/2026SenatePlaced on Senate Regular Calendar for 3/19/2026
3/17/2026SenateRecommended for passage with amendment/s, refer to Senate Calendar Committee Ayes 7, Nays 1 PNV 1
3/9/2026SenatePlaced on Senate Judiciary Committee calendar for 3/9/2026
3/4/2026SenatePassed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Judiciary Committee
2/12/2025SenateIntroduced, Passed on First Consideration
2/10/2025SenateFiled for introduction
2/6/2025Senate
Bill Text
HA0988 (Substitute)
4/14/2026
Enrolled / Public Chapter
Fiscal Note
Introduced
SA0621
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