Tennessee Senate Bill SB0769

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/4/25
• Engrossed: 3/10/25
• Enrolled: 4/25/25
• Passed: 5/9/25
• Chaptered: 5/15/25

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 38; Title 39; Title 55 and Title 62, relative to catalytic converters.

Summary

SB0769 is a narrow Tennessee criminal and regulatory bill focused on catalytic converters. The act amends Tennessee Code Annotated Section 62-9-115(h)(2) by deleting the phrase “punishable only by fine,” which changes the penalty structure associated with the covered conduct under the state’s catalytic-converter-related provisions. The bill is titled as an act affecting Titles 38, 39, 55, and 62, but the operative text provided shows a single statutory amendment. In practical terms, the bill appears aimed at strengthening enforcement against catalytic converter theft and related unlawful activity by removing language that limited the offense to a fine-only penalty. By altering the penalty language, the measure likely allows for more serious criminal consequences under the affected statute, though the exact penalty depends on the underlying code section as amended. The act takes effect July 1, 2025.

Impact

The bill amends Tennessee’s laws governing catalytic converters by changing the penalty language in Tennessee Code Annotated Section 62-9-115(h)(2). This removes the “punishable only by fine” limitation, potentially increasing the severity of punishment available for violations tied to catalytic-converter regulation and enforcement. The practical effect is to give law enforcement and prosecutors stronger tools against theft, trafficking, or other unlawful conduct involving catalytic converters, while affecting vehicle-related and criminal enforcement statutes in Titles 38, 39, 55, and 62.

Sentiment

The available voting history shows strong bipartisan support and little recorded opposition. The Senate Judiciary Committee recommended passage unanimously, the Senate floor passed the bill 29-0 on third consideration, and the House passed it 90-3. That pattern suggests broad agreement that catalytic converter theft and related offenses warranted a tougher or clearer penalty structure.

Contention

There is no committee transcript in the provided record, so specific arguments for or against the bill are not available. The only visible point of potential contention is the policy choice to remove a fine-only limitation, which could be viewed as increasing criminal penalties for conduct involving catalytic converters. However, the overwhelming vote margins indicate that any disagreement was limited and did not materially slow the bill’s progress.