TN SB0657The bill expands the definition of racketeering in Tennessee to include organized retail crime and the use of firearms during serious felonies. It also specifically categorizes carjacking as racketeering activity. This change aims to enhance law enforcement's ability to combat these types of crimes.
TN SB0657 is a senate bill in the Tennessee 114th General Assembly, sponsored by Joseph Hensley (R), currently “Passed” since May 13, 2025.
We track 9,160 Tennessee bills this session, 144 of them sponsored by Joseph Hensley.
Supporters of the bill argue that it strengthens the state's laws against organized crime, providing law enforcement with more tools to tackle serious offenses like carjacking and retail theft. They believe this will help protect businesses and communities from the increasing threat of organized criminal activities.
Critics contend that the bill may lead to overreach in law enforcement and disproportionately impact certain communities. They express concern that broadening the definition of racketeering could result in harsher penalties for individuals involved in minor offenses related to organized crime.
The bill SB0657 aims to amend the definition of racketeering activity to include organized retail crime and certain firearm-related offenses. The sponsor, Joseph Hensley, is a physician and owns a medical clinic, which does not directly relate to the areas impacted by this legislation, such as crime and law enforcement. His financial interests are primarily in the healthcare sector, and there are no documented business interests or investments that would benefit from the changes proposed in this bill. Therefore, there is no apparent conflict of interest regarding personal financial gain from the legislation.
Unlike federal analysis based on campaign donations, state analysis examines legislators' personal financial interests — their jobs, businesses, and investments.
| Type | Description | Industry | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Occupation | Physician | Health Professionals | AI-researched |
| Employer | Maury Regional Medical Center | — | AI-researched |
| Business Owner | Owner of Hensley Medical Clinic | — | TN Legislature bio |
| Board Member | Board Member of the Tennessee Medical Association | — | TN Legislature bio |
Items marked "AI-researched" are generated from public sources but have not been independently verified. Verified data is sourced from official legislature websites and disclosure filings.
About This Analysis
This summary was generated using AI from the bill's official text and metadata. Data sourced from LegiScan and the Tennessee General Assembly. Conflict analysis examines the sponsor's personal financial interests for potential overlaps with the bill's subject matter.
What does TN SB0657 do?
The bill expands the definition of racketeering in Tennessee to include organized retail crime and the use of firearms during serious felonies. It also specifically categorizes carjacking as racketeering activity. This change aims to enhance law enforcement's ability to combat these types of crimes.
What is the status of TN SB0657?
TN SB0657 is currently “Passed” in the Tennessee legislature.
Who sponsored TN SB0657?
Joseph Hensley (R) sponsored TN SB0657.
