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HB 2377

Sexual Offenses - As introduced, revises the offense of continuous sexual abuse of a child, including the required number of victims, required number of incidents of sexual abuse, and time frame within which the incidents must have occurred. - Amends TCA Title 39, Chapter 13, Part 5.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Clay Doggett

Tennessee bill revises continuous sexual abuse of child statute by modifying victim and incident thresholds and timeframe requirements for prosecution.

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 2377

Legislative bill overview

HB 2377 modifies Tennessee's legal definition and requirements for the crime of continuous sexual abuse of a child by adjusting the threshold number of victims, number of abusive incidents, and the timeframe in which those incidents must occur. The bill is currently in the Criminal Justice Subcommittee of the Judiciary Committee.

Why is this important

Changes to continuous sexual abuse statutes directly affect what conduct qualifies as a felony, which influences prosecutorial charging decisions, conviction rates, and sentencing outcomes in child sexual abuse cases. The specific thresholds—how many victims or incidents trigger the charge—determine whether cases are prosecuted as single offenses or under this enhanced continuous abuse framework.

Potential points of contention

  • Lowering thresholds could broaden criminal liability: If the bill reduces the number of victims or incidents required, it may make prosecution easier but could capture conduct that some argue shouldn't constitute "continuous" abuse
  • Raising thresholds could narrow protections: Conversely, if thresholds increase, victims or incidents below the new standard might fall outside this charge category, potentially resulting in lesser charges
  • Timeframe changes affect prosecutorial strategy: Expanding or contracting the required timeframe impacts whether incidents separated by months or years can be charged together, affecting statute of limitations considerations and trial complexity

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

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