Sen. Joey Hensley Highlights New Tennessee Laws Targeting Organized Crime and Public Safety

State Sen. Joey Hensley has released a legislative update highlighting several public safety measures approved by the Tennessee General Assembly during the 2026 session.

Among the new laws is legislation strengthening penalties for organized retail theft. The measure includes a mandatory minimum 30-day jail sentence when a firearm or anti-theft device is used during the crime, creates a registry of convicted organized retail theft offenders, and gives law enforcement additional time to investigate organized theft rings.

Lawmakers also approved legislation creating a new criminal offense for fraudulent freight theft. The law is intended to combat organized cargo theft, requires law enforcement agencies to accept theft reports regardless of where the crime occurred, and aims to improve the ability of victims to recover losses.

Another measure targets organized theft schemes involving individuals who follow people after they leave banks, businesses, or ATMs with the intent to rob them. The law establishes new criminal penalties that increase depending on whether the offense involves burglary or robbery.

Hensley also highlighted legislation designed to strengthen protections for older Tennesseans by improving cooperation between the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and local prosecutors in cases involving elder financial exploitation.

In addition, lawmakers approved a measure allowing victims to seek damages from individuals or organizations that finance unlawful protest activity involving rioting, property destruction, or other illegal acts. The legislation specifies that peaceful protest remains protected.

The legislative package also includes stronger protections for houses of worship. The new law makes the destruction of religious property a felony, increases penalties for repeat offenses, makes intentionally disrupting a religious service a Class A misdemeanor, and requires offenders to pay at least twice the amount of any property damage or restoration costs.

According to Hensley, the legislation is intended to strengthen public safety, protect vulnerable Tennesseans, and hold organized criminal activity accountable.