All Roll Calls
Yes: 115 • No: 4
TennesseeSB 1659114th General Assembly (2025-2026)Senate
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 39 and Title 40, relative to sentencing for criminal offenses.
Sponsored By: Todd Gardenhire (Republican)
Signed by Governor
Sentencing
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Tougher sentences in child rape cases
Beginning July 1, 2026, Tennessee strengthens sentencing for rape of a child and aggravated rape of a child. Judges must weigh more aggravating facts, like a victim under 4, incest, abuse of trust, filming the crime, drugging the victim, using a weapon, or multiple victims. A victim’s participation or consent does not lower the sentence in these child-rape cases. The same sentencing process used for first-degree murder now also applies when someone is guilty of rape of a child. These changes apply to acts occurring on or after July 1, 2026.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Todd Gardenhire
Republican • Senate
Cosponsors
John Stevens
Republican • Senate
Bo Watson
Republican • Senate
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 3/30/2026
FLOOR VOTE: REGULAR CALENDAR PASSAGE ON THIRD CONSIDERATION 3/30/2026
Yes: 77 • No: 4
Senate vote • 3/23/2026
FLOOR VOTE: Motion to Adopt 3/23/2026
Yes: 29 • No: 0
Senate vote • 3/17/2026
SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE
Yes: 9 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Signed by Governor.
4/14/2026SenateSigned by H. Speaker
4/2/2026HouseTransmitted to Governor for action.
4/2/2026SenateEnrolled and ready for signatures
4/1/2026SenateSigned by Senate Speaker
4/1/2026SenateSubst. for comp. HB.
3/30/2026HousePassed H., Ayes 77, Nays 4, PNV 8
3/30/2026HouseRcvd. from S., held on H. desk.
3/26/2026HousePassed Senate, Ayes 29, Nays 0
3/23/2026SenateSponsor(s) Added.
3/23/2026SenateEngrossed; ready for transmission to House
3/23/2026SenatePlaced on Senate Consent Calendar 2 for 3/23/2026
3/20/2026SenateRecommended for passage, refer to Senate Calendar Committee
3/17/2026SenateSponsor(s) Added.
3/17/2026SenateAction deferred in Senate Judiciary Committee to 3/17/2026
3/16/2026SenatePlaced on Senate Judiciary Committee calendar for 3/17/2026
3/16/2026SenatePlaced on Senate Judiciary Committee calendar for 3/16/2026
3/11/2026SenateAction deferred in Senate Judiciary Committee to 3/17/2026
3/9/2026SenatePlaced on Senate Judiciary Committee calendar for 3/9/2026
3/4/2026SenatePassed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Judiciary Committee
1/21/2026SenateIntroduced, Passed on First Consideration
1/15/2026SenateFiled for introduction
1/14/2026Senate
Bill Text
Fiscal Note
Introduced
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