TBA Law Blog

TBA Law Blog

Special Session: Bill Would Enhance Penalties Against Protestors

Posted by: Kate Prince on Aug 10, 2020

The Tennessee General Assembly convened today for what is expected to be a three-day special session to address three main issues, including one matter that would increase punishments for some protestors, the Tennessean reports. New legislation is being filed in response to a nearly two-month, round-the-clock demonstration across the street from the Capitol that has resulted in misdemeanor arrests and seizure of protestors’ equipment. However, Gov. Bill Lee’s office is at odds with House Majority Leader William Lamberth’s version of the bill. The legislation would make camping overnight on certain state property a felony and would create mandatory minimum sentences for that offense and for assaulting or spitting at a law enforcement officer. The legislation would also strip district attorneys of their discretion to not prosecute certain protest-related offenses. Lee’s office on Monday said Lamberth’s bill “is not our preferred version,” and was working to reduce some of the mandatory minimums in a revised bill that will be brought by Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson, R-Franklin.

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