Tennessee House Bill HB7081

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 8/18/23
• Refer: 8/28/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 39 and Title 40, Chapter 11, Part 1, relative to threats of mass violence.

Impact

If passed, HB7081 would enhance existing public safety measures related to the assessment and management of threats of mass violence throughout Tennessee. By explicitly including an individual's estimated age in the reporting process, the bill aims to equip law enforcement with a fuller understanding of the demographics involved in such threats. This can potentially lead to more targeted and tailored intervention strategies that take age-related factors into account, thereby aiming to prevent incidents before they occur.

Summary

House Bill 7081 seeks to amend Tennessee Code Annotated by modifying the requirements concerning the reporting of threats of mass violence. Specifically, the bill updates the information that must be gathered regarding individuals making threats, changing the requirement from merely 'name and address' to 'name, address, and approximate age'. This amendment aims to improve the effectiveness of law enforcement responses to potential threats by providing additional demographic context which could inform preventative measures.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB7081 has been generally supportive among lawmakers and advocacy groups focused on public safety. Proponents believe that the added detail when reporting threats can significantly aid law enforcement and mental health professionals in assessing risks. However, there are concerns regarding the implications of age verification which may raise questions about privacy and the handling of sensitive information, especially in tense situations involving minors.

Contention

Notable points of contention arise from the potential difficulties in accurately estimating an individual's age at the time of reporting. Critics worry that this requirement could lead to challenges in implementation, especially in urgent scenarios where swift information gathering is critical. Additionally, the amendment may necessitate further training for law enforcement on how to approach age assessment sensitively, ensuring that it does not inadvertently lead to bias or misinterpretation.