NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — A newly-filed bill would increase the penalty for intentionally abusing a child between 9 and 17 years old from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class E felony in Tennessee.
“If you hurt kids, we should throw the book at you,” Rep. Jake McCalmon (R-Franklin), the bill’s sponsor said.
Under current Tennessee law, abusing a child “in such a manner to inflict injury” is only a felony if the child is 8 years old and under. In cases where the child is 9 years old and older, it’s a Class A misdemeanor.
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“To me, there’s not much difference between an 8-year-old and a 9-year-old, so it should at least be a Class E felony,” Rep. McCalmon said…