TN HB0361

Expands the definition of "court" for orders of protection to include circuit courts exercising criminal jurisdiction when hearing cases involving domestic abuse, sexual assault, or stalking victims

Allows victims in criminal proceedings to seek orders of protection directly from the criminal court handling their case, rather than requiring them to file separately in another court

Criminal courts granted this authority explicitly cannot rule on child custody, visitation, or support matters—those remain with domestic relations courts

Applies to all Tennessee counties, including those with separate chancery courts and general sessions courts

Passed April 14, 2025 and signed by Governor Bill Lee on April 24, 2025; takes effect immediately upon becoming law