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Many new laws will go into effect next month, while others will begin later this year and on January 1, 2020. Here’s a look at a few of the new state laws slated to take effect from handheld phone use to online sports betting. Several of these laws are controversial and could face legal challenges.
The one that will affect the most people will be the handheld phone ban while driving. This law will prohibit drivers 18 and older from physically holding a cellphone with any part of the body while driving. This means you cannot talk on the phone unless you use a hands-free device.
Drivers could be fined up to $200. Younger drivers already are prohibited from using phones while driving.
On July 1, the Tennessee Sports Gaming Act will take effect allowing online sports gambling but continue to prohibit gambling in physical locations. The March Madness and Fantasy Football Freedom Act will also take effect. The regulation will legalize wagers on fantasy sports leagues and sports pools under certain circumstances.
A new death penalty appeals law goes into effect July 1. The Sergeant Daniel Baker Act is named for Dickson County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Daniel Baker, who was fatally shot in 2018. The new law would expedite the death penalty appeals process by sending death penalty cases to the Tennessee Supreme Court and removing a Court of Criminal Appeals step.
One new law which is part of an ongoing criminal justice reform effort will allow fees to be removed. When it takes effect, a $180 fee will be removed for individuals petitioning the court for expunging certain criminal offenses and remove a $350 fee for a defendant applying for expunging an offense after they complete a diversion program.