On this episode, listen to interesting new laws taking effect in Tennessee on July 1st, 2025. The new laws include:

Lower BAC for Aggravated Vehicular Homicide or Assault (House Bill 190)

The minimum Blood Alcohol Concentration for Aggravated vehicular homicide or assault is lowered from .20 to .15.

Good Samaritan Law Extended (HB 995)

Tennessee’s existing Good Samaritan Law immunity protections are extended to include alcohol overdoses.

Rideshare Impersonation (HB 786)

It is now a criminal offense for one to falsely present themselves as a rideshare driver.

Lab Grown Meat (HB 804)

Any food that is lab-grown or “cell-cultured” cannot be labeled as “meat” or “meat food products.” Mislabeling is considered misbranding and may result in a $2,000 fine per violation. Labels may identify the species or state the product is a meat substitute. Manufacturers must obtain a state permit with a $1,000 annual fee.

Protecting Kids from Hemp (HB 72)

Creates a minimum sentence of 48 consecutive hours in a county jail or workhouse and a fine of not less than $500 for people convicted of selling or distributing hemp-derived cannabinoid products, including THC gummies, to people under 21.

Fertility Treatment and Contraceptive Protection Act (HB 533)

Related to protecting the kids, Tennessee is now first state in South to protect access to IVF, birth control

Commercial Squatting (HB 216)

Now allows for the immediate removal of squatters on commercial property if certain conditions are met.

Unfair Billing/FTC (HB 141)

Consumers are now protected from excessive charges when canceling service contracts for cable, internet or phone plans

DeepFakes (HB 1299)

There is now a legal framework for victims to sue and recover financial damages from a person who posts pictures of intimate digital depictions without consent.

Peace Act (HB 55)

Amends Civil rights intimidation to include those who Litters or trespasses upon any real or personal property of another person with the intent to unlawfully intimidate another from the free exercise or enjoyment of any right or privilege secured by the TN or Federal constitution or laws of the state of Tennessee or the US.

Mass Violence/ Doxing (HB 1314)

Knowingly threatening mass violence by any means of communication is a Class E felony offense. Another person must reasonably deem it a legitimate threat that could lead to the death or injury of four or more people. It also creates a Class B misdemeanor offense for posting on a public website the phone number or home address of another person with ill intent, a practice commonly referred to as “doxing.”

Human Smuggling (HB 322)

The law creates three new offenses: a Class E felony for knowingly smuggling or concealing illegal immigrants for financial gain; a Class A felony for smuggling a child under 13; and a Class A misdemeanor for knowingly harboring undocumented individuals in Tennessee, with a $1,000 fine per person.

Commemorative Months (HB 327)

There are now three commemorative months beginning in 2025 to celebrate the nation’s founding principles. June will be “Celebration of Life” Month, July “Celebration of Liberty” Month, and August “Pursuit of Happiness” Month. These observances aim to inspire civic pride and reflection on the values that shaped our country and continue to guide our state and nation.

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