Public Records - As enacted, entitles an individual who is not a citizen of this state to inspect or receive a copy of any law enforcement record or report pertaining solely to that individual. - Amends TCA Title 10, Chapter 7.
SB 1970 allows non-citizens in Tennessee to access their own law enforcement records, such as arrest reports or incident reports, which previously were restricted to state citizens. To obtain these records, non-citizens must submit a written request, valid photo ID, and a signed affidavit confirming the record pertains solely to them. The bill amends Tennessee’s public records law (TCA Title 10, Chapter 7) to override a prior citizenship restriction for this specific purpose. It does not affect confidential records or grant access to records about others. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.
Bill status
signed
all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2026
Committee Review
Mar 2026
Senate Passage
Apr 2026
House Passage
Apr 2026
Signed into Law
Apr 2026
Introduced Feb 2, 2026
Signed Apr 14, 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
23
Key actions
10
Committee
3
Amendments
1
Apr 14, 2026
Signed into law
Signed by Governor.
lower
Apr 2, 2026
Lower · Passed
Signed by H. Speaker
lower
Apr 1, 2026
Upper · Passed
Signed by Senate Speaker
upper
Mar 30, 2026
Upper · Passed
Concurred, Ayes 32, Nays 0 (Amendment 1 - HA0732)
upper
Mar 26, 2026
Lower · Passed
H. adopted am. (Amendment 1 - HA0732)
lower
Mar 26, 2026
Lower · Passed
Passed H., as am., Ayes 80, Nays 0, PNV 8
lower
Mar 12, 2026
Lower · Passed
Senate adopted Amendment (Amendment 1 - SA0551)
lower
Mar 12, 2026
Upper · Passed
Passed Senate as amended, Ayes 33, Nays 0
upper
Mar 3, 2026
Upper · Passed
Recommended for passage with amendment/s, refer to Senate Calendar Committee Ayes 6, Nays 1 PNV 1
upper
Feb 24, 2026
Lower · Passed
Placed on Senate State and Local Government Committee calendar for 3/3/2026
lower
Feb 5, 2026
Committee
Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate State and Local Government Committee
upper
Feb 2, 2026
Introduced
Introduced, Passed on First Consideration
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Raumesh Akbari
DDemocratic
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