HB1444Introduced in the House
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 37 and Title 39, relative to cruelty to animals.
Introduced by John Gillespie, District 97
What does this bill do?
Plain-English breakdown
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Official description
As introduced, increases the penalty for aggravated cruelty to animals from a Class E felony to a Class D felony; adds aggravated cruelty to animals as an offense for which a juvenile may be classified as a serious youthful offender. - Amends TCA Title 37 and Title 39.
Where it stands
Sponsor(s) Added.
April 7, 2026
How did lawmakers vote?
HouseStage: HOUSE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE: Rec. for pass; ref to Finance, Ways, and Means Committee · April 1, 2026
15
Yes
5
No
1
Absent or Not Voting
21 representatives recorded in this House vote. Colors show vote categories only, not whether a vote was good or bad.
See how each representative voted
| Representative | District | Vote |
|---|---|---|
| Rebecca Alexander | 7 | Yes |
| Fred Atchley | 12 | Yes |
| Andrew Farmer | 17 | Yes |
| Elaine Davis | 18 | Yes |
| Tom Stinnett | 20 | Yes |
| Lowell Russell | 21 | Yes |
| Ron Travis | 31 | Yes |
| Richard Scarbrough | 33 | Yes |
| Kelly Keisling | 38 | Yes |
| William Lamberth | 44 | Yes |
Bill history
Filed for introduction
Intro., P1C.
P2C, ref. to Judiciary Committee
Assigned to s/c Criminal Justice Subcommittee
Placed on s/c cal Criminal Justice Subcommittee for 3/4/2026
Action Def. in s/c Criminal Justice Subcommittee to 3/11/2026
Placed on s/c cal Criminal Justice Subcommittee for 3/11/2026
Action Def. in s/c Criminal Justice Subcommittee to 3/18/2026
Sponsor(s) Added.
Placed on s/c cal Criminal Justice Subcommittee for 3/18/2026
Action Def. in s/c Criminal Justice Subcommittee to 3/25/2026
Placed on s/c cal Criminal Justice Subcommittee for 3/25/2026
Rec. for pass by s/c ref. to Judiciary Committee
Placed on cal. Judiciary Committee for 4/1/2026
Rec. for pass; ref to Finance, Ways, and Means Committee
Assigned to s/c Finance, Ways, and Means Subcommittee
Sponsor(s) Added.
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