House Bill 1444 and Senate Bill 1475 propose amendments to Tennessee's animal cruelty laws. The bill reclassifies the penalty for aggravated cruelty to animals from a Class E felony to a Class D felony, thereby increasing the severity of the punishment. Additionally, it introduces a new subdivision under Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 37-1-131(g)(2), specifically addressing aggravated cruelty to animals as defined in Section 39-14-212. The bill also updates the references in Section 37-1-131(g)(1) to include this new subdivision.

Furthermore, the bill modifies Section 37-1-131(g)(4)(B) to allow for penalties of either a Class B felony or a Class D felony, providing more flexibility in sentencing. The changes are set to take effect on July 1, 2026, and will apply to acts committed on or after that date. Overall, the bill aims to strengthen the legal framework surrounding animal cruelty in Tennessee.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 39-14-212(d), 39-14-212, 37-1-131(g)(2), 37-1-131, 37-1-131(g)(1), 37-1-131(g)(4)(B)