Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the National Security topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Senate approves criminal framework targeting transnational repression after sponsors cite campus incidents
Summary
Lawmakers passed House Bill 2279 to add transnational repression offenses to Tennessee’s code, aiming to criminalize foreign-directed intimidation and harassment of residents and students; sponsor said the change protects those who speak against foreign abuses while critics urged caution on First Amendment implications.
The Tennessee Senate passed House Bill 22 79, creating state criminal provisions aimed at transnational repression — conduct by foreign governments or agents that intimidates, harasses or silences individuals living in Tennessee.
Sponsor Senator Roberts said the bill responds to incidents involving intimidation of students and community members, and would add a statutory framework that enables state prosecution in such cases. “This particular bill creates a framework… that would allow people who engage in this activity to be prosecuted and be charged,” he told the chamber, framing the measure as a tool to protect free expression and student safety.
Leader Ackberry raised First Amendment concerns and asked whether the bill might chill protected speech. Sponsor Roberts told the Senate the statute specifically excludes protected political speech and targets intimidation and harassment that crosses the line into unlawful conduct; he said prosecutors would need to prove coordination and intent to intimidate to secure convictions. The floor debate included questions about overlap with federal law, and supporters said adding a state-level enforcement option complements federal tools.
The Senate adopted the bill on final consideration; the clerk recorded the vote in favor (Ayes 27, Nays 2).
