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SB2408 • 2026

Criminal Offenses

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

Active

The official status still shows this bill as active or still awaiting another formal step.

Sponsor
Rose, Hurt
Last action
2026-02-02
Official status
Refer to Senate Delayed Bills Committee
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official source material does not provide specific details on enforcement mechanisms.

Expanding Criminal Offenses to Include Insects

This bill amends Tennessee law to include venomous or dangerous insects in offenses related to handling dangerous animals.

What This Bill Does

  • Amends a part of Tennessee's criminal laws about displaying, exhibiting, handling, or using venomous or dangerous snakes and reptiles.
  • Expands the list to include venomous or dangerous insects.

Who It Names or Affects

  • People who work with or own venomous or dangerous insects
  • The public when these insects are displayed or used improperly

Terms To Know

venomous
Having poison that can be harmful to people.
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 be enforced by law enforcement.

Bill History

  1. 2026-03-04 Tennessee General Assembly

    Assigned to s/c Criminal Justice Subcommittee

  2. 2026-03-04 Tennessee General Assembly

    Ref. to Judiciary Committee

  3. 2026-02-05 Tennessee General Assembly

    P2C, caption bill, held on desk - pending amdt.

  4. 2026-02-04 Tennessee General Assembly

    Intro., P1C.

  5. 2026-02-02 Tennessee General Assembly

    Refer to Senate Delayed Bills Committee

  6. 2026-02-02 Tennessee General Assembly

    Filed for introduction

  7. 2026-02-02 Tennessee General Assembly

    Filed for introduction

Official Summary Text

Abstract summarizes the bill.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text 
HOUSE BILL 2239
By Hurt

SENATE BILL 2408
By Rose
SB2408
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.