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House approves misdemeanor, felony penalties for blocking escorts used by executive protection unit; debate centers on access and security
Summary
House Bill 120 passed after extended floor debate about the executive protection unit that escorts the governor, lieutenant governor and speaker. Supporters said the measure protects officials and staff; critics said it risks criminalizing ordinary visitors and makes the chamber less accessible.
The Tennessee House passed House Bill 120 on third reading after the floor debated whether the measure criminalizes obstruction of personnel who escort protected officials.
Representative Hulsey, the bill's sponsor, said the proposal makes it a Class A misdemeanor to knowingly obstruct or impede an escort's ability to accompany a protected person and elevates the offense to a Class E felony if the obstruction involves a threat against the person being escorted. "If you block this unit or these people trying to escort a person or guard a person and you prevent their…
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