[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6298023,"mediaKeyId","2505665-764754e87cc7b04bcee3187a23169338","parentId",2505665,"title","Judiciary Committee advances broad package: theft, retail crime updates, civil-forfeiture relief, juvenile records, DNA collection and other measures","audioSeconds",4585,"startMs",1125000,"endMs",5710000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2505665-764754e87cc7b04bcee3187a23169338&start=1125&end=5710","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2505665-764754e87cc7b04bcee3187a23169338/thumbnail_1125000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6298023/Tennessee/Judiciary-Committee-advances-broad-package-theft-retail-crime-updates-civil-forfeiture-relief-juvenile-records-DNA-collection-and-other-measures","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6298023-1d9db36fc7179eda4ae4467878842e1d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770824386&Signature=SBYc9QVkpZEyVgEWhsxrTPPwTwJW8sHlGRsgWri0v3XYm2wAe3GHAgSn5bJywGQPXrRabmLBjqqxJkHCpCZNA8Wolxa2EE4oHkGZtNBJR~Vf5Kinxuj7fpAEu5uPAansErwGD-sAUCBpnq8voQo-~Hat0AqpYuvNWiTTc95HrfKr-IMvRSHFaK0-wHFbtPbO3lQpaF2vDxIjb9o6op0hzmUI6QVYy-rg9~Q9botB7~RwKOwH30HRq1sJng7tYiAZf5ROpQlQjfehhMhw4MCCl5YDlwikVIsuK6Xs4cX2u9jOuAcXwrmnobvdcZ3mYdA6ToVZxk~h4ARIJbifzO9Z9A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","TN State Legislature","date","2025-03-05T00:00:00Z","article","The House Judiciary Committee moved multiple bills forward during its session, advancing measures on theft, retail crime, civil asset forfeiture, juvenile records, DNA collection, public-safety studies and other topics. Because many items received brief debate and several formal roll-call votes, the committee processed the package in a single meeting and sent most bills to the next committee stage.

Votes at a glance (committee actions and outcomes)

- House Bill 1140 (catalytic-converter theft): Committee adopted a committee amendment (0-4-3-52) and voted 16 ayes, 0 noes to send HB1140 as amended to finance, ways and means. Sponsor described efforts to close a statutory gap that limited some punishment to fines only; the amendment removes language restricting punishment to fines so class A misdemeanor penalties may include imprisonment up to 11 months, 29 days.

- House Bill 207 (organized retail crime updates): The committee adopted Amendment 3,919 and voted 17-0 to send HB207 as amended to calendar and rules. Sponsor said the change updates definitions to include modern technology such as online marketplaces and scanners.

- House Bill 12,29 (civil asset forfeiture bond waiver): Committee voted 17-0 to advance HB12,29 to finance, ways and means. Sponsor said the bill would waive a roughly $350 bond charged to many people seeking return of property seized in civil forfeiture, arguing the fee prevents low-income people from recovering property.

- House Bill 34 (juvenile-record access in bail proceedings): Committee adopted Amendment 4,207 and voted 16 ayes, 5 noes to send HB34 as amended to finance, ways and means. Sponsors said the bill allows judges or judicial commissioners to review juvenile court records (when allowed by law) in certain bail-setting contexts; legal counsel explained the bill does not explicitly change confidentiality rules for juvenile records but could affect whether information is discussed in court.

- House Bill 3,41 (DNA collection for death-row inmates): Committee voted 20 ayes, 0 noes, 1 present not voting to send HB341 to calendar and rules. Sponsor said the measure closes a gap so all inmates on death row have DNA collected and entered into databases.

- House Bill 5,14 (firearm sales and violent-crime study): Committee adopted Amendment 3,361 and voted 22-0 to send HB514 as amended to finance, ways and means. Sponsor described a one-year study to collect data on firearms used in violent crimes and whether weapons were obtained legally or illicitly.

- House Bill 2,16 (commercial anti-squatting): Committee voted 21-0 to send HB216 to calendar and rules; sponsor described expanding last year’s residential anti-squatting law to commercial properties and shortening an owner’s time and expense to obtain removal of unlawful occupants.

- House Bill 78 (venue for bond-condition violations): Committee adopted an amendment and voted 21 ayes, 0 noes, 1 present not voting to send HB78 as amended to calendar and rules. Sponsor said the bill clarifies which county may prosecute violations of bond conditions when elements occur across multiple jurisdictions.

- House Bill 45 (child abuse penalty for ages 9–17): Committee voted 21-0, 1 present not voting, to send HB45 to finance, ways and means; sponsor said the bill raises the penalty for child abuse leading to injury for 9 to 17-year-olds from a class A misdemeanor to a class E felony.

- House Bill 553 (assault enhancement for corrections staff): Committee voted 17 ayes, 5 noes to send HB553 to finance, ways and means; the measure would add correctional, probation and parole officers to the list of first responders qualifying for enhanced penalties when assaulted.

Other committee business: House Joint Resolution 100 was rolled for one week at the chairman’s request. Committee leadership announced remaining bills on the agenda were rolled to next week’s calendar at adjournment.

Ending: The Judiciary Committee processed a multi-item agenda and moved most bills on to the next appropriate committees with many unanimous votes; bills that drew extended testimony were sent on for further economic, budgetary or scheduling review.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Judiciary Committee\tMar 5, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The House Judiciary Committee moved multiple bills forward during its session, advancing measures on theft, retail crime, civil asset forfeiture, juvenile records, DNA collection, public-safety studies and other topics.","taxTitle","Judiciary, House of Representatives, Committees, Legislative, Tennessee","taxId",79849,"location","Tennessee","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6298028,"Committee shifts hemp-derived product regulation amid industry warnings of major economic impact",869,4447000,5316000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2505665-764754e87cc7b04bcee3187a23169338&start=4447&end=5316","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2505665-764754e87cc7b04bcee3187a23169338/thumbnail_4447000.jpg","/articles/6298028/Tennessee/Committee-shifts-hemp-derived-product-regulation-amid-industry-warnings-of-major-economic-impact","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6298028-07527f371e0bd7efb9d4b790149c8502/orig.mp4?Expires=1770824386&Signature=TMIlbGYASdfv32wLqPB-IKrJiJeNyKYkKc5ScF630olrp-vO3yz8u7pr6wlOR6AYAJ3VK8uohNdDZlFO00QZqmKEA~MfJL1o1~eUVMInyjOQjTCS1LHcrf9-8cCa0vgaKUf2pXNFWcs1hiJ31ydWN3shP59rxUAhuQIzX~zGVdj-41Pew4ZIFDoitZTGnxNYyZzvkBFuFty9xpal6X2NaFX4GmscWvzFBO1IqzJ7sD7ByJIUvSE8gKmMODfDQQUx9pv13N~T8gdNO8mGSbo0jw1Ozchsam0burnDGnXfIaMZCuQNrZnk6UzkKFzo-9cMscuA8GX19iBdEhpHhA~ZEw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","House Bill 13,76, as rewritten, passed the Judiciary Committee and was sent to the Commerce Committee by a 16-4-2 voice and roll-call decision after extended testimony from industry representatives and questions from lawmakers.

Leader Lambert, the bill sponsor, said the measure aims to move regulation of hemp-derived consumer products from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture to the Alcoholic Beverage Commission (ABC). He told the committee the Agriculture Department would continue to regulate growers but that ABC would manage retail licensing, bans on certain substances and retail standards. \"This bill would move [regulation] under the Alcohol Beverage Commission... It does ban THCA and THCP,\" Leader Lambert said, explaining the proposal responds to THC-related public-safety concerns and the fact that THCA converts to active THC when heated.

Industry representatives opposed the change at the hearing. Clint Palmer, who identified himself as a long-time industry advocate and consultant, urged the committee to delay action and hold Agriculture accountable for enforcement of the 2023 law that governs hemp-derived cannabinoids. Palmer said the 2023 law already requires product labeling, restricts sales locations, and imposes licensing and taxation; he told lawmakers the Department of Agriculture was collecting roughly $1 million a month from the statutory 6 percent tax but had failed to hire inspectors to enforce the program. \"If you pull the rug out from underneath these businesses by passing this bill, you'll close the doors on the majority of hemp businesses within the state,\" Palmer testified. He added that many manufacturers and retailers would find it impossible to meet new numerical THC/THCA limits in the bill and that banning THCA would effectively eliminate most in-state production.

Lawmakers questioned potential legal exposure under federal law. Representative Johnson asked whether the bill could face legal challenges under the federal 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized hemp at the federal level; witnesses responded that federal preemption could be an issue but also argued states can regulate beyond federal minimums. Palmer urged legislators to require the Department of Agriculture to explain its enforcement choices and to consider rolling the bill while that review occurs.

The committee approved House Amendment 39,59, which rewrote the bill, and then voted to send HB13,76 to Commerce by a roll call that recorded 16 ayes, 4 noes and 2 present not voting. Sponsors said ABC licensing would create clearer retail rules and ban products that convert to marijuana when heated; industry witnesses warned of substantial revenue and jobs impacts if in-state manufacturing and retail sales were curtailed.

Ending: The bill moves to the Commerce Committee; sponsors and critics said they will continue to negotiate technical details, and industry representatives asked lawmakers to press Agriculture for enforcement data before the Commerce Committee takes up the measure.","House Bill 13,76, a rewrite moving hemp-derived product oversight from Agriculture to the Alcoholic Beverage Commission and banning certain THCA/THCP products, passed committee despite industry testimony that the measure would shutter many in-state businesses and reduce tax revenue collection.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6298033,"Committee forwards ‘Voyeurism Victims Act’ after advocates describe secret recordings and organized files",973,2569000,3542000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2505665-764754e87cc7b04bcee3187a23169338&start=2569&end=3542","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2505665-764754e87cc7b04bcee3187a23169338/thumbnail_2569000.jpg","/articles/6298033/Tennessee/Committee-forwards-Voyeurism-Victims-Act-after-advocates-describe-secret-recordings-and-organized-files","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6298033-64b62c1cb6019b5dd6af84069a092099/orig.mp4?Expires=1770824386&Signature=AUozrLtnkIENHfZVqirJW2OR1rIuL2P3cHs5akYOpxAgZO7TNCLtdK8tKoB1JIm3K6ilF7CvF8ug-gMS~1E6d7XNQlqGgottglkCR2TQ2SnhnegpyDhNiU2c0~WzBqbYsc0l5l5U5bX-h7cEWktfUbnBf3ZchVhHGEoSm~XEYRmsciMDSIV4sWeA8X2ZJ79R3gFFuGocncKGVR3bdT2OAfqQhDdfW13aa~vgh8hIjYR2fKLXeTbpDB8zyBJn9Fvri-ShIThZM6H-roIM0cBT7zgaGkcNqcKd2Gsuhv87fpPbx6rKGXVVnA2MnF0c6Q8mgoyma-DzozVC4oMI8ipi3g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","House Bill 602, titled the Voyeurism Victims Act, advanced from the House Judiciary Committee on a 22-0 vote after victims described systematic secret recordings and asked lawmakers to change statutes that hinder justice.

The sponsor, Representative Freeman, told the committee the bill does three things as amended: add a definition of “disseminate” for unlawful photography (to mean transfer, publish, or otherwise make accessible); toll the statute of limitations to the date of discovery where the defendant concealed the crime; and allow victims to petition courts for an order of protection.

\"Part of the problem with these types of crimes is it takes the feeling of power away from people,\" Representative Freeman said. \"If this bill passes, we're gonna give these women some power back.\" The sponsor said the bill was developed with survivors and local advocates.

Victims told the committee they found hidden cameras, organized files and thousands of explicit recordings. Christiana Warner, who described discovering a hidden camera in a partner’s alarm clock and thousands of files organized by victim name, testified: \"This man is a serial offender... Digital videos can be uploaded and shared who knows where. Digital media files last forever.\" Warner said she was denied an order of protection because unlawful photography did not meet criteria under existing law.

Erica Thomas, who identified herself as one of the victims whose files Warner described, told lawmakers the bill would not necessarily help her own case but would help future victims: \"We are here today because our lawmakers chose to hear us, support us, and stand beside us... This is about everyone who comes after us. This is about justice, true justice.\"

Committee members sought legal clarification about tolling and whether the bill’s current drafting imposed a requirement that the prosecution prove the defendant concealed the crime before tolling could apply. Legal Services explained the bill references statutory tolling language and that the effect, as drafted, would start the statute of limitations on the date the victim discovered the crime when concealment exists. Representative Freeman said he worked with Legal Services on the drafting but deferred to counsel for technical questions.

The Judiciary Committee voted 22 ayes, 0 nos to send House Bill 602 as amended to calendar and rules.

Ending: The bill now goes to calendar and rules for scheduling; sponsors and survivor-advocates said they intend the measure to provide additional tools and time for prosecution and civil relief.","House Bill 602, which tolls the statute of limitations in some unlawful photography cases, defines dissemination and allows petitioning for protective orders, passed the Judiciary Committee unanimously after multiple victims testified.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6298038,"Tennessee committee advances bill raising penalties for unlawful photography after victims testify",974,1548000,2522000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2505665-764754e87cc7b04bcee3187a23169338&start=1548&end=2522","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2505665-764754e87cc7b04bcee3187a23169338/thumbnail_1548000.jpg","/articles/6298038/Tennessee/Tennessee-committee-advances-bill-raising-penalties-for-unlawful-photography-after-victims-testify","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6298038-fe635f705b399a8131b6115bd4a77bc6/orig.mp4?Expires=1770824386&Signature=Td1d1OnFdsVZbGO6WVXDy2Q-HDu6s83q95cYatNAYZeb1VvncfqHP61e9hrs8efxjMkIsiDM5RmqDl8bizPdEO0zPWs-3mzpzX7f8wrGSHDULXAeM6d5qbRXPuViXoWzLM0eBI3L08FvASRne04cajANEFQTSXboLwC1X2b6vNrHMdOCBZBoQ~LdsO6ZI9INLt9mh9PaO7M82cT80L96IjzLpyAt1SBWARiudTzPSoakkLaVs2cb8eyavV1wXkd8RKrb6CW55tf38VGLgwPJtb4QbflCyJAS9zasGbP~QOlPJnOqvUMiTX4vVc7Jx9~u533JXD~8m-gjsvFTxrsD~w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","House Bill 403, a measure to broaden and stiffen penalties for unlawful photography, moved out of the House Judiciary Committee on a 20-0 roll call after victims gave emotional testimony and sponsors described the changes.

The measure would expand the statutory definition of unlawful photography, clarify “reasonable expectation of privacy,” update terminology, and raise the top penalty for some offenses from a class A misdemeanor (punishable currently by up to 11 months, 29 days and a $2,500 fine) to a class D felony carrying a prison term of “no less than two years and no more than 12 years,” according to Representative Crawford, the bill’s sponsor. Representative Crawford said the changes reflect “a stronger legislative intent to protect individuals from this invasive photography.”

The bill’s sponsor told the committee the amendment broadens the offense, “updates some of the terminology that we used 3 years ago,” and changes the penalty structure. He also explained the misdemeanor penalty in current law: \"the misdemeanor was could be up to 11.29 in jail and a $2,500 fine,\" which the bill would replace for covered conduct with the stated prison range.

Victims who testified described long-term trauma from hidden photography and urged lawmakers to approve the tougher penalties. Julie Mix, who identified herself as a mother and high-school teacher, described discovery of secret recordings of her daughter and the litigation that followed: \"She has been followed, stopped, been to numerous court dates, endured a 3 day trial, a sentencing hearing... he was found guilty and convicted and is currently appealing to the Court of Appeals.\" Mix argued the present misdemeanor penalty left judges limited in sentencing.

Another witness, Erica Thomas, said she supported the bill and asked for a favorable vote, noting the law left victims feeling that their attackers received only a “slap on the wrist.” Committee members across the aisle expressed sympathy and support; Representative Lambert said the losses victims suffer are long-lasting and urged passage.

Committee members posed questions about related sentencing consequences and whether the statute would affect registration as a sex offender. Legal services answered that the current statute leaves registration to judicial discretion and that the bill does not change that discretionary provision. The sponsor and counsel also noted that some portions of the offense remain at lower classes depending on facts.

Votes at committee: the Judiciary Committee adopted House Amendment 3,845 and then voted 20 ayes, 0 noes to forward House Bill 403 as amended to finance, ways and means.

The bill now awaits further consideration in finance, ways and means; the committee record shows broad bipartisan support in the Judiciary Committee vote.

Ending: The Judiciary Committee’s action does not itself change criminal law; it sends the proposal and the committee amendment onward for budgetary review and further floor or committee debate.","The House Judiciary Committee voted unanimously to send House Bill 403 as amended to the finance, ways and means committee after victims and lawmakers urged tougher penalties and clarified changes to the statute.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Judiciary Committee advances broad package: theft, retail crime updates, civil-forfeiture relief, juvenile records, DNA collection and other measures

Committee shifts hemp-derived product regulation amid industry warnings of major economic impact

Committee forwards ‘Voyeurism Victims Act’ after advocates describe secret recordings and organized files

Tennessee committee advances bill raising penalties for unlawful photography after victims testify