Tennessee Lawmakers Consider Tougher Penalties for School Threats

Tennessee lawmakers are debating a new bill, HB1314, which would introduce harsher penalties for making threats of mass violence at schools and other public places. This legislation aims to make such threats a felony if they are deemed 'knowingly' made, addressing concerns that the existing law has resulted in unintended consequences, including the arrest of many children for innocent actions like reposting threats. Since the introduction of the current law in 2024, there has been a significant increase in arrests, with 518 children apprehended, including very young offenders. Advocates have expressed that the new bill may create confusion and further complicate the handling of these threats, as it adds a new felony charge rather than amending the existing one. Supporters argue that stricter laws are necessary to deter threats and maintain school safety, but critics warn they risk infringing on students' First Amendment rights. The discussions reflect a broader concern about the balance between safety and civil liberties in the wake of increased threats following tragic events like the Covenant School shooting.