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HB 2367

Criminal Offenses - As introduced, adds "a victim" to the definition of an individual involved in the judicial process for purposes of the criminal offense of harming or threatening to harm an individual involved in the judicial process; makes various other changes regarding victims of crime. - Amends TCA Title 29; Title 39 and Title 40.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Clay Doggett

Tennessee bill expands criminal penalties for harming judicial-process participants to explicitly include crime victims, strengthening retaliation protections.

Taken off notice for cal in s/c Finance, Ways, and Means Subcommittee of Finance, Ways, and Means Committee
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Bill Summary · HB 2367

Legislative bill overview

HB 2367 expands criminal protections by explicitly including crime victims within the definition of individuals protected under Tennessee's laws against harming or threatening those involved in the judicial process. The bill makes additional unspecified changes to victim-related provisions across three Tennessee code sections governing criminal procedure and sentencing.

Why is this important

Crime victims could currently face intimidation or retaliation without clear legal recourse if the statute's protections don't explicitly cover them. This clarification potentially strengthens victim safety during and after prosecution by closing a definitional gap and may enhance victims' rights in the criminal justice system more broadly.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition scope ambiguity – The bill's exact boundaries remain unclear; it's uncertain whether "victim" includes all crime victims or only those actively participating in proceedings, and how this interacts with existing victim protections
  • Enforcement and prosecution challenges – Expanding who qualifies for protection requires adequate resources for enforcement; unclear if courts will have sufficient guidance on applying the expanded definition consistently
  • Unspecified amendments – The description notes "various other changes" without detail, making it difficult to assess whether ancillary provisions create unintended consequences or duplicate existing protections

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

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