BBBTV12 – (NASHVILLE) – A new law sponsored by State Senator Ken Yager (R-Kingston) and Representative
Ed Butler (R-Rickman) strengthens penalties for indecent exposure of inmates in correctional
facilities from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class E felony. The new law aims to protect prison
staff by cracking down on misconduct by inmates and reduce the number of incidents. Since
the law went into effect July 1, 2024, the Tennessee Department of Corrections has identified
109 inmates across the state who could be charged under the new law. It is up to the local
District Attorney’s to charge and prosecute these cases.

“Indecent exposure has no place in our correctional facilites, and unfortunately, this misconduct
has become an increasing method for inmates to abuse and harass correctional staff,” said
Yager. “I am hopeful that these charges will significantly limit indecent exposure in our prisons
and lead to a safer environment for both inmates and staff.”

Specifically, the law increases the penalty to a felony for inmates who engage in indecent
exposure with the intent to abuse, torment, harass, or embarrass a correctional officer or staff
member. If convicted, inmates would receive a mandatory minimum of 14 additional days to
their sentences and could receive up to six more years in prison for repeat offenses. The new
law also requires the sentence to run consecutive to the time that the inmate is already serving.
Upon third or subsequent conviction, a person is required to register on the Tennessee Bureau
of Investigation Sex Offender Registry.

“Inmates who use indecent exposure to harass prison guards and staff must be held
accountable for their actions,” Butler said. “This new law will better protect those who work in
our correctional facilities by strengthening the punishment for those who commit these lewd acts. I strongly encourage district attorneys to prosecute these cases and send a strong message
that this type of behavior will not be tolerated in Tennessee.”