Sen. Hensley Highlights New Tennessee Laws from the 114th General Assembly

State Sen. Joey Hensley has released a summary of legislation passed during the 114th General Assembly.

Lawmakers approved a resolution supporting the federal Constitutional Carry Reciprocity Act, which seeks nationwide recognition of concealed carry permits and rights. Tennessee’s permit is not currently recognized in 14 states, including Illinois.

Penalties were strengthened for unlawful photography. Knowingly photographing someone without consent in an offensive or embarrassing way is now a Class E felony, with higher penalties if the image is shared, the victim is under 13, or the offender is in a position of authority. Convicted offenders must register as sexual offenders.

New laws address online harassment and threats. Doxxing is now a Class B misdemeanor, elevated to a Class A misdemeanor if someone is harmed. Threats of mass violence were elevated from a Class E felony to a Class D felony when aimed at schools, churches, government buildings, or public events, or when the offender is a repeat violator.

The General Assembly also created new penalties for rideshare impersonation. Falsely presenting oneself as a rideshare driver is now a Class B misdemeanor, and a Class E felony if committed alongside another felony.

Additional measures target unlawful protest activities, including unauthorized signage on highways, civil rights intimidation through littering or trespassing, providing false identification to police, approaching an officer within 25 feet after being told to stop, and transporting someone in a box truck’s cargo area.

Parking or stopping a vehicle in a way that blocks traffic is now a Class C misdemeanor, increasing to a Class B misdemeanor if it contributes to a crash.

A new law also prohibits license plate flippers. Law enforcement may seize the devices and impound vehicles when necessary, but must allow removal of the device if the owner is present.