House panel advances bill creating criminal offense for grooming by persons in authority

The Tennessee House Finance, Ways and Means Committee on April 22 voted 26-0 to advance House Bill 2317 to Calendar and Rules. Representative Barrett, the bill sponsor, told the committee the measure creates a new criminal act of "grooming conduct," defines the elements of that conduct and establishes a separate criminal offense when the conduct is carried out by a person in a position of authority.

Representative Barrett described the bill in brief to the committee and said he stood ready for questions; no additional debate was recorded before the vote. The clerk opened the board and announced a recorded vote of 26 ayes, 0 noes. House Bill 2317 moves on to Calendar and Rules.

Committee discussion focused on sponsor explanation; the committee did not record further debate, amendments, or opposing testimony in the transcript.