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SB 1325

Criminal Offenses - As introduced, makes it an offense for farmers to keep breeding pigs and veal calves in certain small enclosures, subject to certain exceptions, effective July 1, 2030. - Amends TCA Title 39, Chapter 14; Title 40, Chapter 39; Title 43; Title 44 and Title 53.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Sara Kyle

Tennessee bans confinement of breeding pigs and veal calves that blocks essential movements, requires minimum usable space (24 sq ft per pig, 43 per calf), with penalties.

Assigned to General Subcommittee of Senate Judiciary Committee
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Bill Summary · SB 1325

Summary of Bill SB 1325 / HB 1261 (Tennessee, 114th Legislature)

Overview

  • Bill: SB 1325 (Senate) / HB 1261 (House)
  • Sponsor: Kyle (Senate); Co-sponsor: Sara Kyle
  • Jurisdiction: Tennessee
  • Subject: Treatment of animals; welfare-related confinement standards for breeding pigs and calves raised for veal
  • Effective Date: July 1, 2030
  • Enforcement/Penalties: Class B misdemeanor; minimum fine of $250 and maximum $1,000 per offense
  • Primary Provisions: Establishes confinement standards and makes certain confinement practices offenses, with enumerated exceptions and protections.

1) Main Purpose and Intent

The bill aims to improve welfare conditions for two categories of farm animals—breeding pigs and calves raised for veal—by prohibiting confinement practices that prevent basic movements and natural behaviors. It creates a specific offense when farms knowingly confine these animals in restrictive enclosures that do not allow essential motions or adequate space, with defined useable floor space requirements.

2) Key Provisions and Changes

Definitions (Section 1(a))

  • Breeding pig: Female pig 6 months or older or pregnant, kept for commercial breeding.
  • Calf raised for veal: Calf of a bovine species kept to produce veal.
  • Enclosure: Any structure confining the animal.
  • Farm: Land and facilities used for commercial production of agricultural food products or animals/products used for food or fiber (excludes live animal markets).
  • Farm owner or operator: Person who owns or operates a farm in Tennessee.
  • Useable floor space: Total floor space divided by the number of pigs/calves in the enclosure.

Prohibited Confinement (Section 1(b))

It is an offense to knowingly confine a breeding pig or veal calf in a way that prevents
- Lying down
- Standing up
- Fully extending limbs
- Turning in a complete circle without impediment

Plus, enclosure-specific space minimums:
- Breeding pig: Less than 24 square feet of useable floor space per pig
- Calf raised for veal: Less than 43 square feet of useable floor space per calf

Exceptions (Section 1(c))

The confinement is not an offense during:
- Medical research
- Veterinary examinations, testing, treatment, or surgery
- Transportation
- State or county fair exhibitions
- 4-H or similar exhibitions
- Temporary periods for animal husbandry (up to 6 hours in a 24-hour period; up to 24 hours in a 30-day period)
- Humane slaughter in accordance with laws/rules
- For breeding pigs: the five-day period before birth or any day nursing piglets

Defenses and Enforcement (Section 1(d)-(e))

  • The confinement offense is not negated by the animal being domestic livestock or part of an agricultural operation.
  • Violations are Class B misdemeanors with penalties: $250 minimum to $1,000 maximum per offense. Each pig or calf in violation constitutes a separate offense.

Preemption and Local Authority (Section 1(f))

  • The bill does not supersede existing local, federal, or state welfare laws or prevent stricter local ordinances.

3) Who Is Affected

  • Farm owners/operators of Tennessee farms that raise breeding pigs or calves for veal.
  • Agriculture and animal welfare agencies (e.g., Tennessee Department of Agriculture) that handle cruelty complaints.
  • Local and state courts handling misdemeanor offenses and fines.
  • Barely impacted entities during the initial rollout due to the 2030 effective date, allowing time for compliance.

4) Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Effective Date: July 1, 2030
  • Enforcement Window: Begins 2030; immediate enforcement not applicable until effective date.
  • Penalties: Violations carry a Class B misdemeanor with a per-offense fine structure ($250–$1,000).
  • Fiscal Impact: Claimed to be not significant; Department of Agriculture and courts are expected to handle any increased workload within existing resources.
  • Legislative History: Filed in 2025, with committee activity in early 2025; current status shows assignment to Senate General Subcommittee and prior action history.

5) Practical Implications

  • Farms must ensure enclosure designs provide at least 24 sq ft of usable space per breeding pig and 43 sq ft per veal calf, and avoid confinement that restricts essential movements.
  • Compliance requires adjustments to housing and management practices by the 2030 effective date.
  • The bill preserves exemptions for certain routine activities and events, and does not preempt more stringent welfare standards established locally or by other laws.

If you’d like, I can provide a side-by-side comparison with current Tennessee welfare standards or a quick map of affected counties and estimated compliance costs.

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

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