House Bill 2253, also known as Senate Bill 2465, amends various sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated related to criminal justice, specifically addressing threats of mass violence and penalties for certain offenses. The bill replaces existing language in multiple sections, including Sections 37-1-190, 39-17-1307, 39-17-1316, 39-17-1351, and 39-17-1352, to define a "threat of mass violence" as outlined in Sections 39-16-517 or 39-13-813. Additionally, it introduces a new subdivision in Section 39-17-1316, stating that individuals ineligible to possess a firearm due to a court order or state law are also included in the restrictions.

Furthermore, the bill modifies penalties for violations related to the possession and distribution of certain materials. It changes the classification of offenses in Sections 39-17-1003 and 39-17-1004, establishing that possessing more than fifty images or materials elevates the offense to a Class B felony, while possessing over one hundred raises it to a Class A felony. The bill also amends Section 39-17-1005 to increase the penalty for specific violations from a Class B felony to a Class A felony. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 37-1-190, 39-17-1307, 39-17-1316, 39-17-1351, 39-17-1352, 39-17-1316(a)(1)(A), 39-17-1003, 39-17-1004, 39-17-1005(d), 39-17-1005