House Bill 1525, sponsored by Stinnett, amends Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically Section 40-35-115, to introduce a new provision regarding sentencing for defendants convicted of multiple offenses involving minor victims. The bill mandates that if a defendant is convicted of two or more offenses against different minor victims, the court is required to impose consecutive sentences. However, the court may deviate from this requirement if it finds, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the circumstances of the case do not justify consecutive sentences and that doing so would not serve the best interest of justice.

The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, and will apply to offenses committed on or after that date. This legislative change aims to enhance the protection of minor victims by ensuring that offenders face more stringent sentencing when multiple victims are involved.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 40-35-115