Senate Bill 1607 amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 39-13-116(c)(1), to establish stricter penalties for assault against law enforcement officers, first responders, and nurses. The bill specifies that assault against a law enforcement officer or first responder will be classified as a Class E felony, carrying a mandatory fine of $10,000 and a minimum incarceration period of 60 days, with no eligibility for release until the full sentence is served. In contrast, assault against a nurse is designated as a Class A misdemeanor, with a mandatory fine of $5,000 and a minimum incarceration period of 30 days, also requiring the full sentence to be served before release.

The changes replace the existing legal language regarding the penalties for these offenses, emphasizing the seriousness of assaults against these professionals. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, highlighting the state's commitment to enhancing the protection of individuals serving in critical public safety roles.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 39-13-116(c)(1), 39-13-116