WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 55

Criminal Offenses - As enacted, creates new misdemeanor offenses, including intentionally giving a false or fictitious name to a law enforcement officer who has lawfully detained or arrested such person. - Amends TCA Title 39; Title 40; Title 54 and Title 55.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by William Lamberth

Tennessee HB 55 criminalizes intentionally giving false names to police during lawful detention or arrest as a misdemeanor offense.

Comp. became Pub. Ch. 409
#criminaloffenses
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 55

Legislative bill overview

HB 55 creates a new misdemeanor offense in Tennessee for intentionally providing a false or fictitious name to a law enforcement officer during a lawful detention or arrest. The bill amends multiple sections of Tennessee Code Annotated related to criminal offenses and procedures.

Why is this important

This law establishes criminal liability for a specific behavior during police encounters, potentially affecting how individuals interact with law enforcement during stops. It became effective as Public Chapter 409 in May 2025, making it currently enforceable law in Tennessee.

Potential points of contention

  • Identity verification challenges: Questions arise about distinguishing between honest mistakes, memory lapses, and intentional deception—particularly for individuals experiencing confusion, mental health crises, or language barriers during police encounters
  • Enforcement disparities: Critics may argue this creates opportunities for selective prosecution or disproportionate enforcement against marginalized communities during routine stops
  • Scope of "lawful detention": Disputes could emerge over what constitutes a "lawful" detention and whether the misdemeanor applies equally to all detention circumstances, including traffic stops or investigatory detentions with weaker legal foundations

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.