The Tennessee General Assembly recently passed several new laws related to criminal offenses and public safety, many of which took effect on July 1. These new laws include enhanced penalties for existing offenses, the creation of new criminal offenses like “abortion trafficking,” and anti-squatter laws aimed at quickly restoring possession of residential properties.
One of the new laws, “Jillian’s Law,” is named after 18-year-old Jillian Ludwig, who was killed by a stray bullet. This law makes changes to how the criminal justice system deals with offenders deemed incompetent to stand trial. Another law, the “Laken Riley Act of 2024,” allows adults on public college campuses to carry non-lethal weapons for self-defense.
Additional laws include a death penalty provision for aggravated rape of a child, increased penalties for assaulting law enforcement officers, and the creation of the offense of “abortion trafficking.” The “Chris Wright Act” makes certain repeat misdemeanor offenders felons after their sixth offense, and the “Dr. Benjamin Mauck Act” creates new criminal offenses for assault within healthcare facilities.
These new laws aim to protect public safety, enhance the criminal justice system, and ensure appropriate penalties for offenders. With the names of victims inspiring much of the legislation, Tennessee is taking significant steps towards addressing issues related to crime and public safety in the state.
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