Senate Bill 1900 amends Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically Section 39-13-116(c)(1), to establish stricter penalties for assaults against first responders and nurses. The bill reclassifies assault against a law enforcement officer or first responder as a Class E felony, imposing 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. Additionally, assault against a nurse is designated as a Class A misdemeanor, carrying a mandatory fine of $5,000 and a minimum incarceration of 30 days, also with no eligibility for early release.

The changes replace the previous legal language regarding these offenses, emphasizing the seriousness of assaults against individuals in these critical roles. The new provisions are set to take effect on July 1, 2026, reflecting the state's commitment to protecting first responders and healthcare professionals.

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