District 71 Capitol Hill Update with Representative David Byrd

Increasing penalties for boating under the influence / Public chapter 910 - To help keep Tennessee waterways safe, a new law increases penalties for boating under the influence. Called “Nicholas’s Law,” it makes a boating under the influence conviction equal to that of driving under the influence for the purpose of determining whether the offender is a repeat offender. In other words, if someone is convicted of boating under the influence and is later convicted of driving under the influence, they could be punished the same as if they were guilty of two DUIs. Became effective July 1, 2022

Human trafficking / Public Chapter 1089 — To crack down on criminals who traffic children, a new law will expand the criteria for what qualifies as Class A felony offense of trafficking for a commercial sex act. Under the new law a trafficker will be charged with a Class A felony if the victim is under the age of 18. Under previous statute the victim had to be under 15 for the Class A felony charge to apply. It also creates a Class A felony offense of aggravated trafficking for a commercial sex act, and requires those convicted to serve 100% of any sentence imposed. Became effective July 1, 2022.

Strengthening punishment for violent felony offenses / Public Chapter 718 — A new law requires individuals that have been convicted of first-degree murder, the perpetration or attempted perpetration of rape, rape of a child and aggravated rape of a child to be sentenced to death or life in prison without the possibility of parole. Became effective July 1, 2022.

Protecting victims of child abuse / Public Chapter 643 - To protect children who are victims of continuous sexual abuse, requires a court to revoke bail for a defendant who is convicted of such crimes. “Continuous” is defined as three or more acts of abuse within 90 days. Became effective March 11, 2022

Protecting against sex offenders / Public Chapter 1058 — Prohibits a sexual offender, violent sexual offender, or a violent juvenile sexual offender from renting or offering to rent a swimming pool, hot tub or other body of water used for swimming. Violating this law would be a Class A misdemeanor. Became effective July 1, 2022.

As always, I am truly humbled and honored to be your voice on Capitol Hill. If there is ever any issue I can assist with, please reach out to my office by calling 615-741-2190 or emailing me at [email protected]