BLM Response. Protestor Criminalization Legislation.

Where: TN

What: HB 8005 (2020 | TN)

How:

• people who illegally camp on state property
• will face a Class E felony, punishable by up to six years in prison
• those found guilty of the felony lose the right to vote
• mandatory 45-day sentence for aggravated rioting
• fine for blocking highway access to emergency vehicles
• enhances punishment for aggravated assault against a first responder to a Class C felony

What happened around the TN Capitol related to this bill?

•  2 months of sustained protests outside the state Capitol
• Governor signed
• Concerns that non-protesting homeless will be arrested under this legislation

The Hill | Tennessee governor signs bill increasing punishments for certain protests

Time | New Tennessee Law Severely Sharpens Punishments for Some Protesters, Potentially Endangering Their Voting Rights