Senate Bill 2178, also known as House Bill 1787, amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 39-13-514, which pertains to the criminal offense of patronizing prostitution. The bill introduces new classifications for the offense based on the status of the victim. Specifically, it establishes that patronizing prostitution involving a law enforcement officer, a law enforcement officer posing as a minor, a person with an intellectual disability, or a person under eighteen years of age carries varying degrees of penalties. The bill reclassifies patronizing prostitution involving a law enforcement officer or a minor as a Class A misdemeanor, while offenses involving a law enforcement officer posing as a minor or a person with an intellectual disability are classified as Class B felonies. Patronizing prostitution involving a person under eighteen years of age is classified as a Class A felony.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that patronizing prostitution within 1.5 miles of a school will incur a minimum penalty of seven days of incarceration and a fine of at least $1,000. The bill also clarifies that prosecution under this section does not preclude charges under other applicable laws. The changes will take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 39-13-514
Amended with HA0989 -- 04/14/2026: 39-13-514, 39-13-314(a)(1)(D), 39-13-314