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 who qualifies as a "family member" and outlines a comprehensive list of individuals considered "involved in the judicial process," including witnesses, judges, court employees, district attorneys, law enforcement officers, and jurors.

The bill replaces the existing subsection with this new language, thereby clarifying the definitions and expanding the scope of protection for those engaged in judicial proceedings. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the integrity of the judicial process and the individuals who participate in it.

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