House Bill 553, sponsored by Capley, amends Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically Section 39-13-116, which pertains to the definition of "law enforcement officer" in the context of assault against certain persons. The bill deletes the existing subdivision (d)(2) and replaces it with a more comprehensive definition that includes various categories of law enforcement personnel. This updated definition encompasses POST-certified law enforcement officers, capitol police officers, Tennessee highway patrol officers, agents from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, officers from the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, deputy jailers, correctional officers from county jails or private prison contractors, probation or parole officers from the Department of Correction or private probation providers, and park rangers from the Division of Parks and Recreation.

The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, emphasizing the importance of clarifying the roles and responsibilities of law enforcement personnel in the context of assault laws. This legislative change aims to enhance the protection of individuals serving in these critical positions by ensuring that the law explicitly recognizes the various types of law enforcement officers involved in maintaining public safety.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 39-13-116