Senate Bill 7037 amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 39-17-315, to introduce a new provision that classifies stalking, aggravated stalking, or especially aggravated stalking as a hate crime if the offense is committed against a healthcare provider performing abortions. Under this new subsection, such offenses will be punished one classification higher than the standard penalties outlined in the existing law. The bill defines "healthcare provider" as any professional licensed, registered, certified, or permitted under titles 63 or 68 and regulated by the Department of Health or its associated agencies.

The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2023, emphasizing the state's commitment to protecting healthcare providers from targeted violence and harassment related to their professional duties. This legislative change aims to enhance the legal consequences for individuals who commit stalking offenses motivated by the victim's role in providing abortion services.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 39-17-315