House Bill 322 amends various sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated to enhance the legal framework surrounding human trafficking and related offenses. The bill updates the definition of "human trafficking offense" to include additional crimes such as human smuggling, which is defined in a new section (39-17-118) as the act of transporting or encouraging individuals to enter or remain in the state illegally for commercial gain. Human smuggling is classified as a Class E felony, while harboring or hiding individuals who have illegally entered the U.S. is established as a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of $1,000 for each person involved.

Furthermore, the bill empowers the attorney general to take legal action against individuals or organizations suspected of committing human trafficking offenses. This includes the ability to seek temporary restraining orders, revoke business licenses, and even dissolve organizations involved in such activities. The bill also introduces a new definition for "organization," encompassing various business structures, and expands the list of offenses related to human trafficking to include human smuggling. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and will apply to offenses committed on or after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 39-13-311, 39-13-314(a)(1), 39-13-314, 39-13-314(a), 39-13-316(a), 39-13-316