SB 791 Tennessee Senate · 114th Regular Session (2025-2026)

Civil Procedure - As introduced, specifies that an unauthorized alien does not have standing to commence or appear as a plaintiff in certain civil actions. - Amends TCA Title 4; Title 8; Title 16; Title 20; Title 28 and Title 29.

SB 791 clarifies that individuals unlawfully present in the U.S. (defined per federal immigration law) cannot file lawsuits or appear as plaintiffs in civil cases under Tennessee Code Title 29 (which covers labor and employment matters). The bill amends multiple Tennessee code sections to explicitly deny these individuals "standing" in such proceedings, meaning they would be barred from initiating or participating in lawsuits related to employment or labor rights. This change directly affects unauthorized immigrants seeking legal recourse for workplace issues under Title 29. The bill takes effect upon enactment and does not alter other legal rights or procedures outside this specific context.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 10, 2025 Last action Feb 12, 2025
Floor votes

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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
3
Key actions
0
Committee
1
Feb 12, 2025
Committee
Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Judiciary Committee
upper
Feb 10, 2025
Introduced
Introduced, Passed on First Consideration
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Paul Bailey
Paul Bailey
RRepublican
TN
15