House Bill 45, sponsored by McCalmon, amends Tennessee Code Annotated regarding child abuse laws. Specifically, it changes the classification of certain offenses related to child abuse from a "Class A misdemeanor" to a "Class E felony." This amendment aims to impose stricter penalties for such offenses, reflecting a commitment to enhancing the protection of children in the state.

The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and will apply to offenses committed on or after that date. This timeline allows for a transition period before the new legal standards are enforced, ensuring that the public is aware of the changes in the law.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 39-15-401(a), 39-15-401