House Bill 1656, sponsored by Capley, amends Tennessee Code Annotated to establish stricter penalties for assault against specific individuals, namely law enforcement officers, first responders, and nurses. The bill redefines the penalties for these offenses: assault against a law enforcement officer or first responder is classified as a Class E felony, carrying a mandatory fine of $10,000 and a minimum incarceration of 60 days, with no eligibility for early release until the full sentence is served. In contrast, assault against a nurse is classified as a Class A misdemeanor, with a mandatory fine of $5,000 and a minimum incarceration of 30 days, also requiring the full sentence to be served before release.

The bill's provisions replace the existing language in Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 39-13-116(c)(1), specifically detailing the new classifications and penalties for these assaults. The changes aim to enhance the protection of these essential service providers by imposing significant legal consequences for assaults against them. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, ensuring that the public welfare is prioritized.

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