A proposed bill in Tennessee would increase the penalty for those who make threats against schools.

Introduced by State Representative Bo Mitchell (D-Nashville) and Senator Jon Lundberg (R-Bristol), the measure would make threats of violence on school property or at a school-related activity a Class E felony.

Currently, the offense is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 11 months, 29 days in jail, and/or fines up to $2,500.

If passed, the measure would instead carry a sentence of one to six years in prison and a fine of up to $3,000. Class E felonies are the least serious felonies in the Tennessee penal code.

The bill would not apply to people with an intellectual disability as defined in state law.

If passed, the measure would go into effect July 1, 2024, and would apply to offenses that occur on or after that date.

The Senate version of the bill will be heard by the Senate Judiciary Committee tomorrow (Tuesday, March 26, 2024).