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HB 2472

Criminal Offenses - As introduced, defines "criminally negligent conduct,” as used in the offense of criminally negligent homicide, to include failing or refusing to render aid to another person who is unconscious or in need of medical care and the person failing to act knows or reasonably should know that the unconsciousness or need for medical care occurred after the consumption of any controlled substance. - Amends TCA Title 39.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Rusty Grills

Criminalizes failing to aid unconscious persons or those needing medical care after drug consumption when the bystander knew or should have known of substance use.

Placed on s/c cal Criminal Justice Subcommittee for 3/18/2026
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Bill Summary · HB 2472

Legislative bill overview

HB 2472 expands Tennessee's definition of "criminally negligent conduct" to include failing or refusing to provide aid to someone who is unconscious or needs medical care following controlled substance consumption, when the person knew or reasonably should have known about the substance use. This modification directly impacts how criminally negligent homicide charges can be applied in overdose and drug-related emergency situations.

Why is this important

This bill addresses a real-world scenario: situations where bystanders witness overdoses or drug-related medical emergencies but do not seek help, potentially resulting in preventable deaths. The change could establish legal accountability for inaction in these circumstances, though it creates new criminal liability in contexts where current law may not apply.

Potential points of contention

  • Duty to rescue debate: The bill creates an affirmative duty to aid others, which represents a significant expansion of criminal liability for inaction—a principle some argue conflicts with traditional common law that doesn't require strangers to rescue each other
  • Knowledge standard ambiguity: The "reasonably should know" language is subjective and could lead to inconsistent prosecution; someone might not recognize overdose symptoms or might genuinely not understand substance consumption occurred
  • Drug policy implications: Critics may argue this penalizes substance users and associates for overdoses rather than addressing addiction as a health issue; supporters may see it as necessary accountability to prevent deaths

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

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