Tennessee House Bill HB1198

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/23
• Refer: 2/2/23
• Refer: 3/7/23
• Refer: 3/14/23
• Engrossed: 3/21/23
• Enrolled: 3/31/23
• Passed: 4/25/23
• Chaptered: 5/3/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 39 and Title 55, Chapter 10, relative to criminal offenses.

Impact

This legislation introduces significant changes to current law by creating specific offenses related to the provision of motor vehicles under risky circumstances. Specifically, individuals who provide a vehicle to someone they know is intoxicated or has a revoked license will face misdemeanor charges. The penalties for violation grow increasingly severe with repeat offenses, indicating a strong legislative intent to deter such actions. The implementation of mandatory incarceration for offenders serves to reinforce the seriousness of the law.

Summary

House Bill 1198, known as the 'Silas Gable Flatt Law,' amends Tennessee laws relating to criminal offenses concerning motor vehicles. The bill makes it a criminal offense for an individual to knowingly provide a vehicle to another person who is under the influence of intoxicants or whose driver license is suspended or revoked. The primary goal of the bill is aimed at enhancing road safety and discouraging the circulation of impaired drivers, thereby promoting a safer community through stricter accountability measures for vehicle providers.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HB 1198 appears to be supportive among lawmakers who prioritize public safety and wish to curtail the occurrence of impaired driving. The absence of opposing votes during the voting session indicates a broad agreement on the voice of the legislation as necessary for maintaining public order. Nevertheless, some critics may express concerns regarding the implications of such laws for discretion in personal vehicle-sharing arrangements, although these perspectives were not prominently featured in the discussions.

Contention

One notable point of contention could surface around the enforcement provisions and potential ramifications for individuals who lend vehicles to friends or family members in a casual setting. Critics might argue that the law could inadvertently penalize responsible vehicle owners who may not have concrete knowledge of the recipient's state. Furthermore, discussions might raise questions about how the law will be implemented in practical scenarios, especially where the lines between liability and criminal responsibility could become blurred.