Bill to make threats to schools a felony advances

A bill making its way through the Tennessee General Assembly would increase the penalty for those who make threats against schools. The bill was introduced in the House by Rep. Bo Mitchell (D-Nashville) and in the Senate by Sen. Jon Lundberg (R-Bristol). The proposed measure would make threats of violence on school property or at a school-related activity a Class E felony. The offense is currently a Class A misdemeanor. If passed, the new law would go into effect July 1 and would not be retroactive.