Criminal Offenses

Tennessee SB1415 makes it a crime to knowingly put a child in serious danger by exposing them to certain dangerous drugs, including fentanyl and its related substances. If the child is 8 years old or younger, the crime is considered a more serious offense than if the child is older than 8. The law aims to protect children from the risks associated with these powerful drugs.

TN SB1415 is a senate bill in the Tennessee 114th General Assembly, sponsored by Richard Briggs (R), currently “Passed” since May 27, 2025.

We track 9,160 Tennessee bills this session, 137 of them sponsored by Richard Briggs.

Supporters of SB1415 argue that the bill is a crucial step in safeguarding children from the dangers of drug exposure. By establishing clear penalties for those who endanger young lives with harmful substances, the legislation demonstrates a commitment to child welfare and public safety.

Critics of SB1415 may argue that the bill could lead to overly harsh penalties for individuals who may not have intended to harm a child. They might also raise concerns about the potential for criminalizing addiction and the need for more comprehensive approaches to address drug-related issues rather than punitive measures.

The bill SB1415 addresses criminal offenses related to the exposure of children to dangerous substances, specifically fentanyl and its derivatives. The sponsor, Richard Briggs, is a cardiothoracic surgeon employed by the University of Tennessee Medical Center, which primarily engages in education and healthcare services. While this bill pertains to drug safety and health care costs, there are no direct overlaps between his personal financial interests and the specific implications of the legislation. His roles in various government and financial sectors do not indicate any potential for personal financial gain from the enactment of this bill.

Given that the bill's focus is on criminal penalties rather than healthcare policy or pharmaceutical regulation, and considering that the sponsor's financial interests do not align with the industries affected by the legislation, the risk of conflict of interest is minimal. The absence of any personal investments or business ownership in the pharmaceutical or drug safety sectors further supports the low risk assessment.

Unlike federal analysis based on campaign donations, state analysis examines legislators' personal financial interests — their jobs, businesses, and investments.

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.