TN SB1900Tennessee SB1900 increases the penalties for assaulting first responders. Offenders will now face a Class E felony charge instead of a Class A misdemeanor, resulting in a mandatory fine of $10,000 and at least 60 days in jail, up from a $5,000 fine and 30 days in jail.
TN SB1900 is a senate bill in the Tennessee 114th General Assembly, sponsored by Paul Bailey (R), currently “Passed” since May 27, 2026.
We track 9,160 Tennessee bills this session, 196 of them sponsored by Paul Bailey.
Supporters of the bill argue that it provides essential protection for first responders who risk their lives to keep the community safe. By increasing the penalties, the legislation sends a strong message that violence against those who serve the public will not be tolerated.
Critics of the bill contend that the increased penalties may be excessive and could lead to overcrowding in jails. They argue that rather than deterring violence, such harsh measures might further strain relationships between law enforcement and the community.
The bill SB1900 proposes to increase the penalties for assaulting first responders, which falls under the crime and law enforcement policy area. The sponsor, Paul Bailey, has various personal financial interests primarily in the trucking industry and related businesses. However, there are no direct overlaps between his personal financial interests and the bill's subject matter that would indicate a potential for personal financial gain from the legislation. The trucking industry, while it may involve interactions with law enforcement, does not directly benefit from increased penalties for assaults on first responders. Therefore, the risk of a conflict of interest is minimal.
Unlike federal analysis based on campaign donations, state analysis examines legislators' personal financial interests — their jobs, businesses, and investments.
| Type | Description | Industry | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Occupation | Businessman | — | AI-researched |
| Employer | Owner of Bailey Company, a trucking business | — | TN Legislature bio |
| Business Owner | Owner of Bailey Company | — | TN Legislature bio |
| Board Member | Board member of the Tennessee Trucking Association | — | TN Legislature bio |
| Employer | CB TRUCKING INC | — | TN Ethics Commission |
| Employer | CB TRANSPORTATION, INC | — | TN Ethics Commission |
| Employer | A & P LEASING, LLC | — | TN Ethics Commission |
| Employer | BAILEY TIRE COMPANY, LLC | — | TN Ethics Commission |
| Employer | BAILEY INVESTMENTS | — | TN Ethics Commission |
| Employer | CB LEASING, LLC | — | TN Ethics Commission |
| Employer | WAREHOUSE SERVICES, LLC | — | TN Ethics Commission |
| Employer | COWBOY TRUCK LEASING LLC | — | TN Ethics Commission |
| Business Owner | NATIONAL REINED COW HORSE ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT from Feb 2012 to current | — | TN Ethics Commission |
| Business Owner | AMERICAN QUARTER HORSE ASSOCIATION DIRECTOR from Mar 2004 to current | — | TN Ethics Commission |
| Business Owner | TN QUARTER HORSE ASSOCIATION DIRECTOR from Jan 1998 to current | — | TN Ethics Commission |
| Asset | BUILTWELL BANK, Spouse, and Minor Child | — | TN Ethics Commission |
| Asset | DEKALB COUNTY BANKand Minor Child | — | TN Ethics Commission |
| Asset | CITIZENS BANK | Commercial Banks | TN Ethics Commission |
| Asset | BAILEY INVESTMENTS LLCand Minor Child | — | TN Ethics Commission |
| Asset | SAFE TRUCKING | — | TN Ethics Commission |
| Asset | THROUGHBRED FINANCIAL, Spouse, and Minor Child | — | TN Ethics Commission |
| Asset | Leadership PAC: PB PAC | — | TN Ethics Commission |
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 SB1900 do?
Tennessee SB1900 increases the penalties for assaulting first responders. Offenders will now face a Class E felony charge instead of a Class A misdemeanor, resulting in a mandatory fine of $10,000 and at least 60 days in jail, up from a $5,000 fine and 30 days in jail.
What is the status of TN SB1900?
TN SB1900 is currently “Passed” in the Tennessee legislature.
Who sponsored TN SB1900?
Paul Bailey (R) sponsored TN SB1900.
