A new bill in Tennessee would make drink spiking a Class D felony, carrying up to 12 years in prison and fines up to $5,000. The legislation also requires bars and restaurants to provide free drink-testing strips to customers.
Under the bill, businesses must keep at least 10 testing kits in stock and restock within three days if they run low. The strips must quickly detect multiple substances, including common date rape drugs.
Advocacy groups support the move, saying it gives victims a path to report incidents even if no assault occurs. Meanwhile, some Nashville bar owners say they agree with the law but note the added responsibility it places on businesses.
If passed, the measure aims to strengthen safety while holding offenders more accountable.