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SB 1717

Criminal Offenses - As introduced, creates a criminal offense of knowingly violating a no contact order issued as part of a defendant's sentence or conditions of probation or parole following conviction for certain criminal offenses in which the alleged victim of the offense is a domestic abuse victim; punishes a violation as a Class A misdemeanor. - Amends TCA Title 39 and Title 40.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Joey Hensley

Creates a Class A misdemeanor offense for knowingly violating a no contact order tied to a domestic abuse offense, issued during sentencing or probation/parole.

Companion House Bill substituted
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 1717

Summary of Senate Bill 1717 (Session 114, Tennessee)

Bill at a glance

  • Title: Criminal Offenses - As introduced, creates a criminal offense of knowingly violating a no contact order issued as part of a defendant's sentence or conditions of probation or parole following conviction for certain criminal offenses in which the alleged victim of the offense is a domestic abuse victim; punishes a violation as a Class A misdemeanor.
  • Jurisdiction: Tennessee
  • Sponsor: Senator Hensley (co-sponsor: Rep. Barrett)
  • Introduced as: SB 1717; companion HB 1624
  • Effective date: July 1, 2026 (subject to “public welfare requiring it”)

Purpose and intent

  • To establish a new criminal offense: knowingly violating a no contact order that is issued as part of a defendant’s sentence or conditions of probation or parole when the underlying offense involved a domestic abuse victim.
  • The goal is to reinforce protections for domestic abuse victims by ensuring compliance with no contact orders that accompany sentencing or probation/parole.

Key provisions and changes

  1. New offense created (Class A misdemeanor):

    • A person commits a Class A misdemeanor if they knowingly violate:
      • A no contact order issued prior to a defendant’s release on bond after the defendant’s arrest for a criminal offense in which the alleged victim is a domestic abuse victim; or
      • A no contact order issued as part of the defendant’s sentence or conditions of probation or parole following conviction for such offenses.
    • The underlying offenses are those defined in the Tennessee Criminal Code where the alleged victim is a domestic abuse victim (as defined in § 36-3-601).

  2. Revisions to timing language:

    • Section 39-13-113(i)(2) is amended to replace the word “arrested” with “arrested or convicted,” broadening the scope to cover violations tied to either arrest or conviction circumstances.

  3. Administration and consequences:

    • Violations would be treated as Class A misdemeanors.
    • Related procedures: Current framework already allows probation termination or revocation for violations of probation conditions (per § 40-35-311(a)); no contact order compliance is a condition of probation/parole as noted by the fiscal analysis.

  4. Effective date:

    • The act takes effect July 1, 2026.

Who is affected

  • Defendants who have been convicted of offenses where the victim is a domestic abuse victim and who have any no contact order as part of their sentence, probation, or parole.
  • Domestic abuse victims who rely on no contact orders for protection.
  • Courts and law enforcement agencies enforcing no contact orders and processing violations.
  • Probation/parole officers who monitor compliance with no contact orders.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • The legislation adds a new offense with a Class A misdemeanor designation, which generally carries shorter potential jail time and standard penalties under Tennessee law.
  • It aligns with existing enforcement mechanisms for probation violations, including potential revocation of probation for violations of conditions.
  • The bill provides a clear effective date: July 1, 2026.
  • Fiscal impact is assessed as not significant; no expected major changes to court workload or state/local revenue.

Fiscal note (highlights)

  • Compliance with no contact orders is already a condition of probation/parole; the new offense formalizes penalties for violations.
  • Expected to have no significant change in revenue or expenditures for state or local government.
  • Court system impact described as not significant.

If you’d like, I can provide a side-by-side comparison with the current statute (39-13-113) to highlight exactly what changes the bill makes.

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

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