Amends TCA Title 39.

Under present law, it is a Class A misdemeanor to knowingly violate: an order of protection issued pursuant to the domestic abuse laws; or a restraining order issued to a victim of domestic abuse victim. Generally, the authorized punishment for a Class A misdemeanor is imprisonment for not greater than 11 months, 29 days or a fine not to exceed 2,500, or both.<br /> <br /> This bill adds that notwithstanding the authorized punishment for a Class A misdemeanor, a violation of an order of protection or restraining order is punishable by a fine of not less than $250 nor more than $2,500, and that the fine imposed will be paid to the clerk of the court imposing sentence, who will transfer it to the state treasurer, who will credit the fine to the general fund. All fines so credited to the general fund will be distributed annually to:<br /> <br /> (1) Isaiah 117 House; or<br /> (2) In counties in which Isaiah 117 House does not have physical presence, Tennessee Court Appointed Special Advocates Association (CASA).<br /> <br /> ON APRIL 17, 2019, THE HOUSE ADOPTED AMENDMENT #1 AND PASSED HOUSE BILL 516, AS AMENDED.<br /> <br /> AMENDMENT #1 establishes at $100, instead of $250, the minimum fine amount for knowingly violating an order of protection issued pursuant to the domestic abuse laws or a restraining order issued to a victim of domestic abuse victim, and deletes the requirement that would require revenue generated from such fines to be distributed to Isaiah 117 House of CASA.<br /> <br />