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Subcommittee sends ‘grooming’ criminalization bill to full finance

Tennessee House Finance, Ways and Means Subcommittee · April 22, 2026

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Summary

Representative Barrett told the subcommittee HB 23 17 would create a new crime of grooming to give law enforcement and prosecutors tools to intervene before assaults occur; the committee voted to move the bill to full finance (10-0).

Representative Barrett presented House Bill 23 17 on Thursday as a bill to define “grooming” conduct and attach a criminal offense so law enforcement and district attorneys can intervene earlier in cases targeting children.

“By defining what grooming conduct is and attaching a criminal offense for that, we're giving people, in the law enforcement industry the ability… to go after and prosecute these individuals before they actually assault… these children,” Representative Barrett said, adding he stood ready for questions.

There was no recorded substantive debate in the transcript; the committee voted to move HB 23 17 to full finance on a recorded vote of 10 ayes, 0 noes. The sponsor noted an amendment was traveling with the bill and confirmed it was attached.

Provenance: Topic first introduced SEG 188; topic last discussed and voted SEG 228.

Speakers quoted or referenced (first reference in transcript): Representative Barrett (SEG 195), Chair (SEG 188), Madam Clerk (SEG 226).