Tennessee House Bill HB1166

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/25
• Refer: 2/12/25
• Refer: 3/12/25

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 38; Title 39; Title 40 and Title 50, relative to workplace violence.

Summary

HB1166 creates a new part in Tennessee law addressing workplace bullying in connection with violent crimes in the workplace. It defines “bullying” as conduct by an employee or former employee that interferes with another employee’s employment and either physically harms the employee or property, or knowingly places the employee in reasonable fear of such harm. It also defines “workplace” broadly as a factory, plant, office, or similar facility where employees produce goods or provide services. The bill requires law enforcement agencies investigating a workplace crime of violence to also inquire whether bullying was occurring and whether the violence was caused by or connected to that bullying. If an agency makes such an investigation, it must report its findings to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. Beginning July 1, 2026, and annually thereafter, the TBI must compile those reports into a statewide workplace bullying and violence report and submit it to the Senate Judiciary Committee and the House committee with jurisdiction over criminal justice.

Impact

HB1166 would add a new reporting and investigative requirement to Tennessee law, primarily affecting law enforcement agencies and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. It does not create a standalone criminal offense for bullying, but it directs agencies to document bullying-related context when a workplace crime of violence is investigated and to transmit that information for statewide reporting. The bill also indirectly affects employers and employees by formally recognizing workplace bullying as a factor that may be associated with violent incidents.

Sentiment

The available voting history suggests the bill was received favorably in committee, with the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee recommending passage by a 7-0 vote, subject to amendment and referral to the Judiciary Committee. No committee transcript is provided, but the unanimous vote indicates broad initial support and little visible opposition at the subcommittee stage. Overall, the bill appears to have been treated as a workplace safety and data-collection measure rather than a controversial criminal justice expansion.

Contention

The main point of potential contention is the bill’s definition and treatment of “bullying” in the workplace, which may raise questions about how broadly law enforcement should investigate workplace conduct and how to distinguish bullying from ordinary workplace conflict or other employment issues. Another possible concern is the administrative burden on police agencies and the TBI in collecting and compiling the required reports. Because the bill focuses on reporting and inquiry rather than penalties, any debate is likely to center on scope, implementation, and whether the measure meaningfully addresses workplace violence.