House Bill 1542, sponsored by Atchley, seeks to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 39, by introducing a new section that defines and addresses telecommunication fraud. Under this bill, a person commits telecommunication fraud if they use a telecommunication device with the intent to deprive the owner of property, thereby fraudulently obtaining or exercising control over that property without the owner's effective consent. The bill establishes that telecommunication fraud will be punishable as theft, with a minimum classification of a Class E felony.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that the term "telecommunication device" will be defined as per the existing definition in 39-16-201. This legislation is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, emphasizing the importance of addressing fraudulent activities conducted through telecommunication means.