House Bill 45 amends Tennessee law regarding child abuse by changing the classification of certain offenses. Specifically, it modifies Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 39-15-401(a), by deleting the designation of "Class A misdemeanor" and substituting it with "Class E felony." This change increases the severity of the penalties associated with these offenses, reflecting a stronger stance against child abuse.

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 classification is enforced, emphasizing the state's commitment to enhancing protections for children and addressing child abuse more rigorously.

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