State Rep. Rick Scarbrough, R-Oak Ridge, has filed legislation to strengthen Tennessee’s harassment law after a slew of recent hate crimes across the Volunteer State.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State Rep. Rick Scarbrough, R-Oak Ridge, has filed legislation to strengthen Tennessee’s harassment law after a slew of recent hate crimes across the Volunteer State.
House Bill 370 would add “in-person” to the definition of harassment by communication. Currently, communication is defined only by means such as in writing or by telephone, texts and flyers.
“Hate crimes have no place in the Volunteer State, and the despicable incidents we’ve seen in recent years are unacceptable,” Scarbrough said. “This change ensures accountability for those targeting citizens and spreading harmful messages. I’m proud to stand with House and Senate leaders to confront these crimes.”
In 2024, several hate groups sparked outrage across the state with marches and demonstrations in the Nashville area. One targeted a synagogue, while two neo-Nazi groups displayed hateful messages on overpasses and marched through downtown while carrying flags with swastikas.
A Knoxville neighborhood was also targeted in 2023 when anti-Semitic flyers were tossed onto their properties.
During the 114th General Assembly, Tennessee Republicans aim to confront hate crimes and ensure law enforcement has the tools to hold individuals accountable.
The Protecting Everyone Against Crime and Extremism (PEACE) Act or House Bill 55, filed by House Majority Leader William Lamberth, R-Portland, addresses hate littering and trespassing, police procedure and obstruction and road safety.
In response to the 2024 incidents, Metro Nashville Council passed four local ordinances in October to combat public displays of hate speech and intimidation.
The PEACE Act and HB 370 aim to strengthen the city’s efforts and expand similar protections across the state.
In the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s Hate Crime Report for 2023, the number of criminal offenses motivated by a known bias was 122 last year, according to crime data submitted to the TBI by law enforcement agencies around the state.
Of those, 61 were reported to be race-related, with the remainder categorized as religious, sexual or gender-related, and physical or mental disability bias.
Rick Scarbrough represents District 33 which includes part of Anderson County.