House Bill 540, sponsored by Crawford, amends Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically Section 39-12-203(10), by adding a new subdivision that classifies animal fighting as a form of racketeering activity. The new subdivision (RRR) explicitly includes animal fighting under the existing legal framework concerning racketeering.
The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, emphasizing the importance of addressing animal fighting within the state's legal definitions of racketeering. This amendment aims to strengthen the legal repercussions for those involved in such activities, thereby promoting animal welfare and public safety.
Statutes affected: Introduced: 39-12-203(10), 39-12-203