SB1475

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 37 and Title 39, relative to cruelty to animals.

Introduced·11/4/25
Draft Text

Tennessee SB1475 amends animal cruelty laws by changing certain penalties from Class E to Class D felonies.

Tennessee SB1475 amends the state's animal cruelty statutes by changing the penalty for aggravated cruelty to animals from a Class E felony to a Class D felony. It also modifies the classification of penalties for certain animal cruelty offenses, allowing for either a Class B or Class D felony charge. The changes apply to acts committed on or after July 1, 2026.

Included in complete analysis

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

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Where it stands

Current
Finance, Ways and Means Committee
Next
Committee decision

Sponsors

0
1
R
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

Roll Call Votes

SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE: Recommended for passage, refer to Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee

8 Yea

RRRRRRDR

1 Nay

D

Calendar

Apr 20

1:00 PM

Senate Finance, Ways And Means Hearing

History

Apr 20

Senate

Placed on Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee calendar for 4/21/2026

Apr 14

Senate

Placed on Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee calendar for 4/20/2026

Apr 14

Senate

Placed on Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee calendar for 4/21/2026