House Bill 45, sponsored by McCalmon, proposes an amendment to 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 change aims to impose stricter penalties for individuals convicted of these offenses, thereby enhancing the legal framework surrounding child protection.

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, reflecting the state's commitment to improving child welfare and safety.

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