House Bill 1731, sponsored by Wright, seeks to amend Tennessee Code Annotated regarding the definition of "desecrate" in relation to places of burial. The bill introduces a new subsection to Section 39-17-311, which clarifies that "desecrate" includes the removal of objects from a burial site by anyone who is not a family member of the deceased or an authorized representative of the cemetery.

The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, emphasizing the importance of protecting burial sites and the belongings of the deceased from unauthorized removal. This legislative change aims to enhance the legal framework surrounding the sanctity of burial places in Tennessee.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 39-17-311