Senate Bill 2566, also known as the "Tennessee Anti-Grooming Act," aims to enhance the protection of minors and mentally compromised individuals from sexual exploitation by criminalizing grooming behaviors. The bill introduces a new section to the Tennessee Code Annotated, defining grooming as actions or communications by an adult intended to establish trust or emotional connection with a minor or mentally compromised individual for the purpose of sexual exploitation. Key definitions are provided, including "grooming," "minor," and "mentally compromised individual," and the bill outlines various degrees of felony charges based on the age of the victim, the offender's prior convictions, and their position of authority over the victim.

Additionally, the bill amends existing law to include violations of the new grooming statute as a specific offense, with penalties ranging from Class E to Class A felonies depending on the circumstances. It clarifies that law enforcement posing as minors does not serve as a defense against prosecution. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, and is designed to complement existing child protection laws without superseding them.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 39-13-524(a), 39-13-524