06/11/2026
TENNESSEE: NEW LAWS TAKE EFFECT JULY 1, 2026
On July 1, 2026, Tennessee will have several new and amended laws taking effect. It’s well worth taking the time to read through these updates and familiarize yourself with the changes.
The information below is only a brief summary. We encourage everyone to review the legislation further to better understand the rights, responsibilities, and potential penalties involved.
Below are some of the public safety-related changes:
• Kratom Ban – “Matthew Davenport’s Law”
Tennessee has enacted Matthew Davenport’s Law, which prohibits kratom statewide beginning July 1, 2026. Under the new law, knowingly possessing kratom will be a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 11 months and 29 days in jail and fines up to $2,500.
Manufacturing, delivering, or selling kratom will become a Class C felony, and selling kratom to a minor will become a Class B felony.
• Threats Against Schools, Child Care Facilities, and Religious Institutions
Tennessee is strengthening penalties involving threats of mass violence. Recklessly threatening to commit an act of mass violence on the property of a school, child care agency, preschool, or religious institution will become a Class E felony, which may carry 1–6 years in prison and fines up to $3,000.
The law also requires individuals who have knowledge of these threats to report them to law enforcement and the facility involved. Failure to report may result in a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to 6 months in jail and a fine up to $500.
• Drink Spiking / Drugging Another Person
Tennessee is increasing penalties for individuals who place drugs or other intoxicating substances into another person’s drink without their knowledge. Commonly referred to as “drink spiking,” this offense will become a Class D felony.
A conviction for a Class D felony may result in 2–12 years in prison and fines up to $5,000. Certain businesses that serve alcohol will also be required to make qualifying drink-testing devices available to customers.
• Nitrous Oxide (“Whippets”) Restrictions
Tennessee is increasing restrictions involving nitrous oxide products that are misused for recreational intoxication. The new law targets individuals who unlawfully sell or distribute nitrous oxide products intended to be inhaled for the purpose of getting intoxicated.
The law is designed to address the growing misuse of products commonly known as “whippets,” while not targeting legitimate medical, food, or commercial uses.
• Property Protection & Use of Deadly Force
Tennessee has expanded circumstances where deadly force may be legally justified to protect property during certain serious crimes, including trespassing, arson, burglary, theft, robbery, damage to property, and aggravated cruelty to animals.
This law does not mean deadly force can automatically be used anytime property is stolen or damaged. The facts and circumstances must meet the requirements established under Tennessee law.
• Retail Theft / Organized Retail Crime
Tennessee is strengthening penalties aimed at repeat and organized retail theft. Individuals who commit retail theft while possessing a firearm, ammunition, firearm accessory, or who use an anti-theft jamming device may face a mandatory minimum sentence of 30 days in jail.
The law also allows additional considerations during sentencing when offenders use disguises, masks, or fake license plates while committing certain theft offenses. A retail theft registry will also be created for law enforcement use involving qualifying offenders.
• Underage To***co, H**p & V**e Violations
Tennessee is changing consequences for individuals under the age of 21 who unlawfully purchase to***co, h**p, v***r products, or smokeless to***co.
Violations may require community service, completion of court-ordered programs, and fines. Repeat violations may result in additional penalties.
• Immigration Enforcement Information Protection
A new law prohibits certain government officials from releasing protected personal information about immigration enforcement officers or disclosing information about future enforcement operations.
Violating this law may result in a Class E felony, punishable by 1–6 years in prison and fines up to $3,000, along with possible removal from office.
• Failure to Comply With Federal Deportation Orders
A person who has received a final order requiring them to leave the United States and unlawfully remains in Tennessee beyond the required timeframe may face criminal charges.
A violation may be charged as a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 11 months and 29 days in jail and fines up to $2,500.
• Coercive Su***de Prevention Law
Tennessee has created a new criminal offense addressing coercive su***de. The law applies when a person intentionally encourages or coerces another individual to commit or attempt su***de under circumstances outlined by law.
A violation may be charged as a Class D felony, which may carry 2–12 years in prison.
Want to review all new Tennessee laws?
Tennessee General Assembly:
https://www.capitol.tn.gov
Tennessee Secretary of State – Public Acts:
https://sos.tn.gov/publications/services/acts-and-resolutions
Know the law. Stay informed. Stay safe ~ your Atoka Police Department
