Tennessee Lawmakers Pass Fix to School Threats Law After Kids Were Arrested for Jokes and Misunderstandings

Tennessee lawmakers passed legislation this week to fix the state’s controversial threats of mass violence law, which previously led to children being charged with felonies over jokes. The new bill requires school officials to report student threats to police only if the threat is "credible," meaning reasonably expected to be carried out. This change follows pressure from advocates and an investigation by ProPublica and WPLN, which highlighted cases like a 6-year-old being charged with a felony. Governor Bill Lee is expected to sign the bill, which aims to prevent students, particularly those with disabilities, from being needlessly arrested. However, advocates warn that Tennessee law still does not require police to consider credibility before charging or arresting youth.