TN HB1624

Domestic Abuse

Passed House Jody Barrett (R)
Plain English Summary

Tennessee HB1624 makes it a crime to knowingly violate a no contact order that is part of a sentence or probation for certain offenses involving domestic abuse victims. If someone breaks this order, they can be charged with a Class A misdemeanor. This law aims to strengthen protections for domestic abuse victims.

Supporters Say

Supporters of HB1624 argue that this legislation is a crucial step in protecting victims of domestic abuse by enforcing no contact orders more strictly. They believe it sends a strong message that violations will not be tolerated, thereby enhancing the safety and security of vulnerable individuals.

Critics Say

Critics of HB1624 may argue that the law could lead to unintended consequences, such as penalizing individuals who may not fully understand the no contact order. They might express concern that this could disproportionately affect those who are already struggling with the legal system, potentially leading to increased incarceration rates without addressing the root causes of domestic violence.

Conflict of Interest Analysis Personal Interests
5/10
Risk Level
Medium
Policy Area
Crime and Law Enforcement
Industry Overlap
0%
Personal Conflicts
3 found

Representative Jody Barrett, as an attorney and owner of multiple law-related businesses, has personal financial interests that align with the legal sector impacted by HB1624. The bill, which addresses criminal offenses related to domestic abuse and the enforcement of no-contact orders, could indirectly affect the demand for legal services. As an attorney, Barrett may benefit from an increased need for legal representation in cases involving domestic abuse and related criminal proceedings. However, the connection is not direct, as the bill does not specifically create new legal business opportunities but rather reinforces existing legal frameworks. Barrett's role in law firms and his ownership of legal service businesses suggest a potential, albeit indirect, financial interest in the outcomes of such legislation.

Sponsor's Personal Financial Interests

Unlike federal analysis based on campaign donations, state analysis examines legislators' personal financial interests — their jobs, businesses, and investments.

Type Description Industry Source
Occupation Attorney Lawyers/Law Firms AI-researched
Employer Attorney at Shackelford, Bowen, McKinley & Norton, LLP Lawyers/Law Firms TN Legislature bio
Business Owner Owner of Barrett Law Office AI-researched
Employer DICKSON TITLE LLC TN Ethics Commission
Employer RAMSEY HORNTON BARRETT OSBORN PLC TN Ethics Commission
Employer BACK NINE LLC TN Ethics Commission
Employer APT EVENTS LLC TN Ethics Commission
Employer BARRETT THORNTON PROPERTIES LLC Real Estate TN Ethics Commission
Business Owner DICKSON TITLE LLC PRESIDENT from Jan 2005 to current TN Ethics Commission
Business Owner RAMSEY THORNTON BARRETT OSBORN PLC SECRETARY from Jan 2005 to current TN Ethics Commission
Business Owner BACK NINE LLC MEMBER from May 2018 to current TN Ethics Commission
Business Owner APT EVENTS LLC MEMBER from Nov 2020 to current TN Ethics Commission
Business Owner CRESTVIEW LAND COMPANY LLC MEMBER from Jun 2008 to current TN Ethics Commission
Business Owner BARRETT THORNTON PROPERTIES LLC MEMBER from Jun 2019 to current Real Estate TN Ethics Commission
Occupation Law, ATTORNEY- VARIOUS Lawyers/Law Firms TN Ethics Commission

Items marked "AI-researched" are generated from public sources but have not been independently verified. Verified data is sourced from official legislature websites and disclosure filings.

Legislative Votes
FLOOR VOTE: CONSENT CALENDAR PASSAGE ON THIRD CONSIDERATION
House · Apr 13, 2026
Passed
94
YEA
0
NAY
FLOOR VOTE: Third Consideration
Senate · Apr 16, 2026
Passed
29
YEA
0
NAY
HOUSE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SUBCOMMITTEE: Rec. for pass by s/c ref. to Judiciary Committee
House · Apr 7, 2026
Passed
9
YEA
0
NAY
HOUSE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE: Rec. for pass; ref to Calendar & Rules Committee
House · Apr 7, 2026
Passed
19
YEA
0
NAY

Source: LegiScan roll call vote data.

TheBillRoom is free and independent. No ads, no subscriptions, no political funding. If this analysis was useful, reader support keeps it running.
Support Us

About This Analysis

This summary was generated using AI from the bill's official text and metadata. Data sourced from LegiScan and the Tennessee General Assembly. Conflict analysis examines the sponsor's personal financial interests for potential overlaps with the bill's subject matter.