SB 1788 Tennessee Senate · 114th Regular Session (2025-2026)

Local Government, General - As enacted, prohibits local governmental entities from relocating homeless individuals unless the relocation meets certain criteria; authorizes the receiving jurisdiction to seek damages and injunctive relief for violations. - Amends TCA Title 5; Title 6; Title 7 and Title 71, Chapter 5.

SB 1788 prohibits Tennessee local governments (like cities or counties) from moving homeless individuals to another jurisdiction without first getting written agreement from that receiving area. It also bans using public funds for such relocations unless housing and services are confirmed available in the new location. The bill authorizes Tennessee’s attorney general to impose civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation and lets affected jurisdictions sue for damages or block violations through court orders. These changes apply to local government actions under Tennessee law, directly impacting how municipalities handle homeless population relocations.
Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Mar 2026
Senate Passage
Apr 2026
House Passage
Apr 2026
Signed into Law
Apr 2026
Introduced Jan 21, 2026 Signed Apr 27, 2026
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
34
Key actions
16
Committee
9
Amendments
2
Apr 27, 2026
Signed into law
Signed by Governor.
lower
Apr 16, 2026
Lower · Passed
Signed by H. Speaker
lower
Apr 14, 2026
Upper · Passed
Signed by Senate Speaker
upper
Apr 9, 2026
Upper · Passed
Concurred, Ayes 25, Nays 4 (Amendment 2 - HA0983)
upper
Apr 6, 2026
Lower · Passed
H. adopted am. (Amendment 2 - HA0983)
lower
Apr 6, 2026
Amended
Am. withdrawn. (Amendment 1 - HA0788)
lower
Apr 6, 2026
Lower · Passed
Passed H., as am., Ayes 76, Nays 20, PNV 0
lower
Mar 26, 2026
Lower · Passed
Senate adopted Amendment (Amendment 2 - SA0844)
lower
Mar 26, 2026
Upper · Passed
Passed Senate as amended, Ayes 23, Nays 4, PNV 1
upper
Mar 10, 2026
Upper · Passed
Recommended for passage with amendment/s, refer to Senate Calendar Committee Ayes 6, Nays 3 PNV 0
upper
Mar 3, 2026
Lower · Passed
Action deferred in Senate State and Local Government Committee to 3/10/2026
lower
Mar 3, 2026
Lower · Passed
Placed on Senate State and Local Government Committee calendar for 3/10/2026
lower
Feb 24, 2026
Lower · Passed
Action deferred in Senate State and Local Government Committee to 3/3/2026
lower
Feb 24, 2026
Lower · Passed
Placed on Senate State and Local Government Committee calendar for 3/3/2026
lower
Feb 17, 2026
Lower · Passed
Action deferred in Senate State and Local Government Committee to 2/24/2026
lower
Feb 17, 2026
Lower · Passed
Placed on Senate State and Local Government Committee calendar for 2/24/2026
lower
Feb 10, 2026
Lower · Passed
Placed on Senate State and Local Government Committee calendar for 2/17/2026
lower
Jan 22, 2026
Committee
Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate State and Local Government Committee
upper
Jan 21, 2026
Introduced
Introduced, Passed on First Consideration
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Shane Reeves
Shane Reeves
RRepublican
TN
14