§ 39-16-201 — Introduction or possession of weapons, ammunition, explosives, intoxicants, legend drugs, controlled substances, controlled substance analogues, or telecommunication devices into penal institution

(a) As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires, "telecommunication device" means any type of instrument, device, machine, or equipment that is capable of transmitting telephonic, electronic, digital, cellular or radio communications, or any part of such instrument, device, machine or equipment that is capable of facilitating the transmission of telephonic, electronic, digital, cellular or radio communications. "Telecommunication device" shall include, but not be limited to, cellular phones, digital phones and modem equipment devices. (b) It is unlawful for any person to: (1) Knowingly and with unlawful intent take, send, or otherwise cause to be taken into any penal institution where prisoners are quartered or under custodial supervision: (A) Any weapon, ammunition, or explosive; (B) Any intoxicant, legend drug, controlled substance, or controlled substance analogue found in chapter 17, part 4 of this title; or (C) Any telecommunication device; or (2) Knowingly and with unlawful intent possess any of the following materials while present in any penal institution where prisoners are quartered or under custodial supervision without the express written consent of the chief administrator of the institution: (A) Any weapon, ammunition, or explosive; (B) Any intoxicant, legend drug, controlled substance, or controlled substance analogue found in chapter 17, part 4 of this title; or (C) Any telecommunication device. (c) (1) A violation of subdivision (b)(1)(A) or (b)(2)(A) is a Class C felony. (2) A violation of subdivision (b)(1)(B), (b)(1)(C), or (b)(2)(B) is a Class D felony. (3) A violation of subdivision (b)(2)(C) is a Class E felony. A first violation is punishable only by fine. A second or subsequent violation is punishable only by a fine of three thousand dollars ($3,000).

Legislative History

Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 236, s 2, eff. 7/1/2021. Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 236, s 1, eff. 7/1/2021. Amended by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 486, s 7, eff. 7/1/2019. Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1; 1994, ch. 629, §§ 1, 2; 2006, ch. 1006, §§ 1 - 3; 2012 , ch. 848, § 15.