SB0944

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 33; Title 39 and Title 40, relative to criminal offenses involving abuse.

Complete·5/27/25

Tennessee SB0944 amends laws to classify cruelty to animals as a Class A misdemeanor with mandatory community service.

Tennessee SB0944 amends the state's criminal code to reclassify cruelty to animals as a Class A misdemeanor. The bill mandates that those convicted must perform at least forty hours of community service, as determined by the court, in addition to any other authorized punishment. This change takes effect on July 1, 2025.

Included in complete analysis

  • Overview
  • Core Provisions
  • Implementation
  • Impact
  • Legal Framework
  • Critical Issues

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Sponsors

D
1
4
RRRR
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

Roll Call Votes

10 Yea

RRRRDRRDRR

1 Nay

R

History

May 27, 2025

Comp. became Pub. Ch. 511

Apr 23, 2025

Senate

Sponsor(s) Added.

Apr 22, 2025

Senate

Companion House Bill substituted