TN HB2040

Creates a new criminal offense for intentionally communicating threats to public officials or their immediate family members when the threat is made because of the official's public capacity

Requires three elements for conviction: knowledge that the target is a public official or family member, intent to threaten harm related to official duties, and that a reasonable person would perceive it as a threat

Classifies violations as a Class E felony

Defines "immediate family" to include spouse, parent, sibling, child, as well as stepparents, stepchildren, stepsiblings, and adoptive relationships

Effective July 1, 2026