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SB 1900

Criminal Offenses - As enacted, increases the penalty for assaulting a first responder from a Class A misdemeanor with a mandatory fine of $5,000 and a mandatory minimum of 30 days incarceration to a Class E felony with a mandatory fine of $10,000 and a mandatory minimum of 60 days incarceration. - Amends TCA Title 39 and Title 40.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Paul Bailey

Upgrades assaults on first responders from misdemeanor to felony, doubling mandatory jail time and fines while removing judges' sentencing flexibility.

Pub. Ch. 1104
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 1900

Legislative bill overview

SB 1900 elevates assaults on first responders (police, firefighters, EMTs, etc.) from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class E felony in Tennessee. The bill simultaneously doubles mandatory minimum incarceration (30 to 60 days) and doubles mandatory fines ($5,000 to $10,000).

Why is this important

First responder safety is a legitimate concern—assaults on these workers have increased nationally and can impair emergency services. However, this bill permanently raises criminal records for a broad category of incidents, which affects employment, housing, and voting rights long after sentencing. The mandatory minimums also limit judicial discretion in cases with extenuating circumstances.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope definition: The bill doesn't clarify what constitutes "assault"—minor physical contact, threats, or accidental harm could potentially qualify, creating inconsistent enforcement
  • Mandatory minimums vs. judicial discretion: Judges lose ability to consider context (self-defense claims, mental illness, provocation) and apply proportional sentences
  • Felony classification impact: A felony conviction creates permanent collateral consequences (employment barriers, housing discrimination, loss of voting rights in some cases) that extend far beyond the 60-day sentence
  • Incarceration costs: Longer mandatory sentences increase state prison burden and costs without clear evidence this deters assault more effectively than current penalties

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

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