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HB 184

Criminal Offenses - As introduced, creates a Class C felony of reckless endangerment involving community terrorism, which is committed against a population within a geographic territory by members of a criminal gang or within 1,000 feet of a school or park; requires the sentencing court to revoke or prohibit the issuance of a driver license to individuals convicted of such offense for a five-year period following conviction. - Amends TCA Title 39, Chapter 13 and Title 40, Chapter 35.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by G.A. Hardaway

Tennessee bill creates Class C felony for gang-related reckless endangerment near schools/parks with mandatory five-year driver's license suspension upon conviction.

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 184

Legislative bill overview

HB 184 creates a new Class C felony in Tennessee for "reckless endangerment involving community terrorism" committed by criminal gang members or within 1,000 feet of schools or parks. The bill mandates a five-year driver's license revocation or prohibition for anyone convicted of this offense.

Why is this important

Gang violence and crimes near schools and parks are serious public safety concerns that directly affect community wellbeing and child safety. The bill attempts to create enhanced penalties for particularly dangerous conduct, though the practical impact depends heavily on how courts interpret and apply the vague "community terrorism" definition.

Potential points of contention

  • Vague statutory language: "Community terrorism" is not clearly defined, creating uncertainty about what conduct qualifies and potentially leading to inconsistent prosecutions or constitutional challenges
  • Driver's license revocation scope: A mandatory five-year license suspension may disproportionately affect defendants' ability to work or access services, raising questions about proportionality and practical reentry consequences
  • Overlap with existing law: Tennessee likely already has assault, gang activity, and reckless endangerment statutes; the bill's relationship to these existing crimes and whether it creates redundancy is unclear
  • Geographic trigger concerns: The 1,000-foot radius around schools/parks is a bright-line rule that may capture conduct far from the actual protected area, depending on property boundaries

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

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