Tennessee New Laws: Closer look at changes effective July 1
JACKSON, Tenn. — Many new laws will be going into affect Tuesday across the State of Tennessee.
The first item is a change in how citizens can take the boating safety exam. Previously, it was a requirement to take them in person under the supervision of a proctor. Citizens will now be able to take this exam online. Tennessee law requires anyone operating a personal watercraft or motorboat to have a TWRA-issued boating safety education certificate. This is for those born after January 1 of 1989.
The next bill increases accountability for impaired drivers. It lowers the minimum blood alcohol level from 0.20 to 0.15. Aggravated vehicular assault constitutes a Class C felony. Aggravated vehicular homicide is a Class A felony.
People convicted of selling or distributing hemp-derived products, like THC gummies, to people under 21 will receive a minimum sentence of 48 hours in county jail, and a fine of no less than $500.
Anyone who exposes a child to fentanyl will see a Class E felony. This upgrades to a Class B if the child is under 8-years-old.
New offenses have been established to target human smuggling of illegal immigrants. Representative Chris Todd was a contributor to this bill, and he spoke with us to explain it more.
“Potentially, if someone is taking illegals and hiding them or harboring them for financial gain, then they could be in this as well,” Representative Todd said.
A new bill created a Class E felony for those who disclose or threaten to disclose intimate digital depictions with the intent to harass, annoy, alarm, or cause substantial harm to the finances or reputation of an individual. This is referring mainly to “deep fake” images created by AI.
Vape products will be affected by the new laws. It requires manufacturers to register with the state and list their products on a directory. Retailors, distributers, and wholesalers can only sell products on the list.
And if a juvenile is found adjudicated delinquent for harassment, bullying, or cyberbullying, their driving privileges can be suspended for a year.
Click here for a list of more new laws effective July 1 in Tennessee.
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