Sen. Joey Hensley Highlights New Laws Protecting Crime Victims and Strengthening Criminal Penalties

State Sen. Joey Hensley has released another legislative update highlighting measures approved by the Tennessee General Assembly during the 2026 session aimed at protecting crime victims, combating human trafficking, and strengthening criminal penalties.

Among the new laws is legislation increasing the minimum sentence for second-degree murder. Under the new law, those convicted must be sentenced at least as a Range II offender, requiring a minimum prison sentence of 25 years.

Lawmakers also approved legislation increasing funding for victim assistance programs by raising the assessment on certain convicted offenders from $45 to $125. The additional funding will support local programs that provide services to crime victims.

Another new law strengthens legal protections for human trafficking victims who act in self-defense against their traffickers. The legislation creates a legal presumption that a trafficking victim who uses force against a trafficker acted out of a reasonable fear of death or serious bodily injury.

The General Assembly also approved tougher penalties for those who exploit vulnerable individuals through prostitution. The law makes the offense a Class A felony when the victim is a minor and a Class B felony when the victim has an intellectual disability or is believed to be a minor. It also adds enhanced penalties for offenses committed near schools.

In addition, lawmakers strengthened Tennessee’s domestic violence offender registry by requiring courts to document prior convictions, including those from other states, and improving reporting requirements to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.

Another measure increases penalties for registered sex offenders who fail to comply with reporting requirements. The law makes it a felony for a registered sex offender to stay overnight at a campground without providing the required notice and increases penalties for repeat violations.

According to Hensley, the legislation is intended to strengthen protections for crime victims, improve public safety, and hold violent offenders accountable.