House Bill 1353, also known as Senate Bill 1399, amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 39-16-510(a), to enhance protections for individuals involved in the judicial process. The bill introduces new legal language that defines the offense of harming or threatening to harm individuals participating in the judicial process or their family members, with the intent to impede, intimidate, interfere with, or retaliate against them. The bill specifies that "family member" includes a range of relatives, while "individual involved in the judicial process" encompasses various roles such as witnesses, judges, court employees, district attorneys, law enforcement officers, and jurors.

The amendment replaces the existing subsection with a more detailed definition of the offense and the individuals it protects. This change aims to strengthen the legal framework surrounding interference with government operations, particularly in the context of judicial proceedings. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, emphasizing the importance of public welfare in its implementation.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 39-16-510(a), 39-16-510