Overview
- Since July 1, juvenile courts have begun enforcing mandatory one-year driving suspensions for minors convicted of bullying or cyberbullying.
- First-time offenders can seek restricted licenses for essential activities, requiring application within 10 days, a $20 fee, testing and judicial approval.
- The bipartisan bill, sponsored by State Rep. Lowell Russell, passed with overwhelming support in both chambers of the Tennessee Legislature.
- Supporters say revoking driving privileges deters youth bullying; critics argue penalties should be paired with interventions addressing underlying causes.
- The law builds on 2024 revisions that clarified bullying definitions to curb violence and suicide risks linked to harassment among young people.