House Bill 1656, also known as Senate Bill 1941, amends Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically Section 39-13-116(c)(1), to establish stricter penalties for assault against certain individuals. 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 of 30 days in jail, also with no eligibility for early release.

The changes involve the deletion of the previous subdivision and its replacement with the new classifications and penalties outlined above. This legislation is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, emphasizing the state's commitment to protecting first responders and healthcare professionals from assault.

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