House Bill 45 amends Tennessee Code Annotated regarding child abuse laws. Specifically, it changes the classification of certain offenses from a "Class A misdemeanor" to a "Class E felony," thereby increasing the severity of the penalties associated with these offenses.

The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and will apply to offenses committed on or after that date. This legislative change aims to enhance the legal consequences for individuals found guilty of child abuse, reflecting a commitment to protecting children in the state of Tennessee.

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