SB 1976 Tennessee Senate · 114th Regular Session (2025-2026)

Law Enforcement - As introduced, requires a law enforcement agency that uses body cameras to adopt a written policy for the use of the cameras by its law enforcement officers; establishes certain requirements for the policies. - Amends TCA Title 38, Chapter 1.

SB 1976 requires Tennessee law enforcement agencies using body cameras to create written policies governing their use. The policies must mandate officers activate cameras during calls for service and public encounters (except during immediate threats), keep them on until the interaction ends, and notify people being recorded. Exceptions include asking occupants before entering homes without a warrant, victims of domestic abuse or sexual assault, and anonymous crime reporters if they request the camera be turned off. The bill directly affects all Tennessee police departments and officers using body cameras, ensuring consistent recording practices while protecting privacy in specific sensitive situations.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 2, 2026 Last action Mar 25, 2026
Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
9
Key actions
5
Committee
7
Mar 25, 2026
Committee
Assigned to General Subcommittee of Senate Judiciary Committee
lower
Mar 24, 2026
Lower · Passed
Action deferred in Senate Judiciary Committee to 3/25/2026
lower
Mar 24, 2026
Lower · Passed
Placed on Senate Judiciary Committee calendar for 3/25/2026
lower
Mar 23, 2026
Lower · Passed
Action deferred in Senate Judiciary Committee to 3/24/2026
lower
Mar 23, 2026
Lower · Passed
Placed on Senate Judiciary Committee calendar for 3/24/2026
lower
Mar 18, 2026
Lower · Passed
Placed on Senate Judiciary Committee calendar for 3/23/2026
lower
Feb 5, 2026
Committee
Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Judiciary Committee
upper
Feb 2, 2026
Introduced
Introduced, Passed on First Consideration
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Raumesh Akbari
Raumesh Akbari
DDemocratic
TN
29