Criminal Offenses

Plain English Breakdown

The official source material does not provide specific details on the impact on courts dealing with cases involving dangerous animals.

Adding Insects to Criminal Offenses

This bill changes Tennessee law to include insects in the list of dangerous animals that can cause criminal offenses if mishandled.

What This Bill Does

• Changes a part of Tennessee's laws about dangerous animals.
• Adds insects to the types of animals covered by the law regarding venomous or dangerous snakes and reptiles.
• Updates the language in Title 39 of the Tennessee Code Annotated.

Who It Names or Affects

• People who own or handle venomous or dangerous insects, snakes, and reptiles.
• Law enforcement officers who enforce laws about dangerous animals.

Terms To Know

venomous

Having poison that can be harmful or deadly if it enters the body, usually through a bite or sting.

dangerous

Capable of causing serious harm or injury.

Limits and Unknowns

• The bill does not specify which insects are considered dangerous.
• It is unclear how this change will affect existing cases involving snakes and reptiles.

Official Summary Text

Abstract summarizes the bill.

Current Bill Text

SENATE BILL 2408
By Rose

HOUSE BILL 2239
By Hurt
HB2239
012712
- 1 -

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 39,
relative to criminal offenses.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE:
SECTION 1. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 39-17-101(a), is amended by
deleting the language "venomous or dangerous snake or reptile" and substituting instead the
language "venomous or dangerous snake, insect, or reptile".
SECTION 2. This act takes effect July 1, 2026, the public welfare requiring it.