Lawmakers in the Tennessee House of Representatives on Wednesday advanced HB 184, bipartisan anti-gang legislation originally introduced by State Representative G.A. Hardaway (D-Memphis) and by State Senator Brent Taylor (R-Memphis) in the State Senate, which would create a new felony charge for reckless endangerment under the new criteria of “community terrorism.”
As defined in the bill, reckless endangerment becomes community terrorism, a Class C felony, when it is committed by gang members in a specific community location, or involves dangerous acts committed within 1,000 feet of schools, parks, libraries, child care centers, and similar places.
In addition to a Class C felony, which carries a sentence of three to 15 years in prison in Tennessee, those convicted of the new offense would have their driver’s license revoked for five years, be subject to a court order prohibiting their return to the scene of the crime, and become liable for the cost of mandatory GPS monitoring.
The legislation would also prohibit the issuance of a driver’s license, though allows for those convicted to obtain a restricted license with a court order.
Originally introduced in January 2025, the legislation never made it past the House Judiciary Committee last year, but was advanced in an 18-0 vote on Wednesday, while three members voted present. The bill now advances to the Finance, Ways, and Means subcommittee for additional consideration.
Taylor’s version of the legislation, SB 389, was assigned to a Senate Judiciary subcommittee in March 2025. Lawmakers in the Tennessee Senate have yet to advance the bill this year.
The legislation was advanced on the same day House Majority Leader William Lamberth (R-Portland) submitted HB 1639, which would establish the Tennessee Office of Homeland Security, a new arm of law enforcement that could investigate gang crimes committed by groups designated Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) under the Trump administration.
At least three such gangs operate in Tennessee, including Tren de Aragua (TdA), Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13), and the Cartel de Sinaloa.
State House Speaker Cameron Sexton (R-Crossville) last year met with Stephen Miller, the Trump administration’s White House deputy chief of staff for policy, and recently confirmed that Tennessee Republicans will seek to align the Volunteer State’s immigration policy with the White House.
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Tom Pappert is a 2025 recipient of the Dao Prize and the lead reporter for The Tennessee Star. He also reports for the Star News Network. Follow Tom on X. Email tips to [email protected].
