Senate Bill 1607 amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 39-13-116, to establish stricter penalties for assault against law enforcement officers, 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 classified 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 existing legal language regarding penalties for these offenses, emphasizing the seriousness of assaults against these professionals. The new provisions are set to take effect on July 1, 2026, highlighting the state's commitment to enhancing the protection of individuals serving in critical public safety roles.

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