Image Credit: capitol.tn.gov
The Tennessee Conservative Staff –
The Tennessee Senate voted unanimously to pass legislation that would provide increased protection for victims of stalking and harassment.
Senate Bill 1699 (SB1699), sponsored by Senator Paul Rose (R-Lauderdale, Shelby, and Tipton Counties-District 32), would allow those victims to seek a lifetime order of protection against their offenders.
Rose began with a motion to substitute House Bill 1645 (HB1645), which was sponsored by Representative William Lamberth (R-Portland-District 44).
He then explained that current law offers lifetime orders of protection in only a few cases; others are forced to renew those orders every year. The new legislation would expand that to include victims of felony aggravated stalking, felony stalking, and felony harassment.
With no questions on the bill, a vote was taken. The bill passed with 32 ayes and no nay votes.
HB1645 unanimously passed the House on February 8. The bill will now need to be signed by House Speaker Cameron Sexton and Senate Speaker Randy McNally before being transmitted to Governor Bill Lee for his signature.
