(a) A person commits an offense who knowingly damages any structure or farm equipment by means of a fire or explosion: (1) Without the consent of all persons who have a possessory, proprietary or security interest therein; or(2) With intent to destroy or damage any structure to collect insurance for the damage or destruction or for any unlawful purpose.(b)(1) Arson is a Class C felony.(2) Arson of a place of worship is a Class B felony.(c) As used in this section:(1) 'Farm equipment' means any farm tractor as defined in § 55-1-104(a), farm implement designed to be operated with a farm tractor, and motorized farm machinery used in the commercial production of farm products or nursery stock; and(2) 'Place of worship' means any structure that is:(A) Approved, or qualified to be approved, by the state board of equalization for property tax exemption pursuant to § 67-5-212, based on ownership and use of the structure by a religious institution; and(B) Utilized on a regular basis by such religious institution as the site of congregational services, rites, or activities communally undertaken for the purpose of worship.Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 810, s 2, eff. egular basis by such religious institution as the site of congregational services, rites, or activities communally undertaken for the purpose of worship.Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 810, s 2, eff. 10/1/2020.Amended by 2020 Tenn. Acts, ch. 810, s 1, eff. 10/1/2020.Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1; 1991, ch. 19, § 1; 1997 , ch. 284, § 1.
Tennessee Legal Code