Important Updates About Legislation That Increases Penalties For Assaults on Firefighters, EMS

person icon by Hayden Bradfield

Published Wednesday, Feb 18, 2026

Updated Wednesday, Apr 1, 2026

There are some important updates to share regarding the legislation seeking to enhance charges and penalties for assaults on firefighters, EMS personnel, and other first responders. First and foremost, the bill numbers pertaining to this legislation in both the Tennessee House and the Tennessee Senate have been changed. At the time of writing and going forward, the updated bill numbers are HB2428 and its companion senate bill SB1900. According to Rep. Kip Capley's office, the old bill number will be withdrawn. The new bills seek to do the same as the previous: increase the charges for assaults against a first responder from a Class A Misdemeanor to a Class E felony, increase the mandatory minimum jail sentence to 60 days, and impose a $10,000 fine.

Senate Bill 1900 has progressed more quickly through the legislative process, and Tuesday held the Senate Judiciary Committee to discuss the bill. A firefighter and Advanced Emergency Medical Technician with the Crossville, TN Fire Department, Jade Callister, presented to the committee to promote the bill's passage. While treating a patient during a medical call, she was assaulted by that patient, rendering her injured. She asserted that assaults on firefighters and other first responders should carry the same weight in both charges and penalties as assaults towards law enforcement. She did emphasize the importance of this, as fewer people are willing to fulfill the role. Currently, there is a nationwide firefighter shortage that is especially impacting Tennessee, as both paid and volunteer fire departments are desperate for manpower.

Firefighter/AEMT Jade Collister Presents to the TN Senate Judiciary Committee

Following Callister's presentation, a few members of the committee expressed dissent, most vocal being Senator Sara Kyle (D-Memphis). Otherwise, following further discussions and an oral presentation by the Executive Director of TN District Attorney General Conference, Stephen D. Crump, a vote was brought forth. The bill received the majority vote to pass by the committee. Next, the bill will heading to the Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee. Updates are intended to follow.

See the vote tally below:

Sen. Bobby Harshbarger (R-Hawkins & Sullivan Counties)

YES!

Sen. Sara Kyle (D-Memphis)

No!*

Sen. London Lamar (D-Memphis)

No!*

Sen. Kerry Roberts (R-Springfield)

No!*

Sen. Paul Rose (R)

YES!

Sen. John Stevens (R-Huntingdon)

YES!

Sen. Brent Taylor (R-Memphis)

YES!

Sen. Dawn White (R-Murfreesboro)

YES!

Sen. Todd Gardenhire (R-Chattanooga)

YES!

* In this situation, these members were present but "passed" (refused to place their vote.)

Updated Wednesday, April 1, 2026:

Both the House and Senate bills have progressed through committees and subcommittes in both chambers. At this point, both bills will be heard and voted on soon in its respective Financial, Ways, and Means Committees/Subcomittees.

This has yet to be over. Both bills must first be passed in all applicable committees, brought to the floors in their respective chambers for a vote, and ultimately signed into law by the governor.

See vote tallies here: