HB 1961, the "Tennessee Veteran Protection and Due Process Act," prohibits Tennessee state and local law enforcement from assisting federal immigration authorities in detaining or transferring veterans without specific safeguards. It requires police to screen individuals for military service and verify veteran status using documents like a DD-214 before honoring federal immigration requests. The law mandates that federal authorities must provide written certification confirming non-veteran status or VA verification, and transfers require a judicial warrant and proof that veterans' immigration options were considered. Veterans in state custody must also be informed of their right to military-experienced legal counsel and maintain access to benefits during proceedings.
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.
SB 1614 requires Tennessee state and local criminal justice agencies (like police departments, courts, and corrections) to share specific criminal justice data - including personal details like race, age, and arrest records - with approved researchers. The bill mandates sharing data on stops, arrests, sentencing, and corrections programs, but only to researchers who meet strict criteria (e.g., institutional review board approval and security protocols to protect privacy). Agencies cannot charge more than actual costs for data access, and this sharing does not count as public disclosure under existing laws. The law takes effect in 2026, with agencies required to implement it by 2027.
HB 1547 requires Tennessee state and local criminal justice agencies (like police departments and courts) to share specific criminal justice data with qualified researchers. This includes personal details, demographic information, and records about stops, arrests, sentencing, and supervision programs. To qualify, researchers must have institutional review board approval, agree to use data only for research, and maintain strict security protocols to protect sensitive information. The bill does not make data publicly available but creates a formal process for researchers to access it for studies aimed at improving criminal justice outcomes. Agencies must comply by January 2027, though they may charge reasonable fees for data retrieval.
SB 2032 requires Tennessee public safety employers (such as police departments, fire services, and emergency medical personnel) to provide employees and job applicants with reasonable access to their full employment records, including mental health evaluation results. If an applicant is denied employment based on a mental health evaluation, they can request the evaluation results and submit an alternative evaluation at their own expense, which the employer must review. The bill amends multiple Tennessee codes to implement these transparency requirements and allows employees to sue for violations, with the winning party recovering attorney fees. This law directly affects public safety workers and job seekers in roles involving protection of persons or property.
HB 1095 requires Tennessee's Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission to issue a certification to private special deputies appointed on or after January 1, 2026, if they meet police officer qualifications and complete an approved recruit training program. To maintain this certification, special deputies must also complete annual in-service training sessions relevant to their duties. The bill directly affects private special deputies employed by entities like private security firms or businesses with law enforcement authority. It updates existing training requirements in Tennessee law (Titles 4, 8, 38, and 49) to standardize certification for this specific role, effective March 28, 2025.
SB 1174 requires Tennessee law enforcement agencies using body cameras to adopt written policies governing their use. These policies must mandate that officers activate cameras during all public encounters (except immediate safety threats), wear them properly to capture footage, and notify people they're being recorded. The bill also specifies exceptions: officers must ask residents before entering homes without a warrant, victims of domestic violence or rape, and anonymous crime reporters if they want the camera turned off. These policies must include training for officers and cover how recordings are handled. The law directly affects all state and local law enforcement agencies that use body cameras and the public they interact with during patrols and investigations.
HB 954 requires all Tennessee law enforcement agencies to create and implement alternative crisis response units by January 1, 2026. These units must pair a full-time police officer with a qualified mental health professional who leads mental health-related emergency calls. The bill mandates the Tennessee Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission to establish uniform training standards for these units and provide annual officer training on supporting mental health professionals during crisis calls. The law directly affects every law enforcement agency in Tennessee and updates state statutes to formalize this crisis response model.
SB 1032 requires Tennessee state and local government officials (including police, inspectors, and wildlife officers), as well as federal officials working within the state, to obtain a search warrant specifically identifying the person or property to be searched before entering private property. This applies to most searches, but exceptions exist for situations where courts recognize a warrantless search is justified (such as emergencies). Officials who fail to comply without a valid exception face a Class C misdemeanor charge. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2025, and amends multiple sections of Tennessee law governing searches.
SB 478 requires Tennessee colleges and universities to provide eligible campus police officers and public safety officers with an annual $800 cash bonus for completing required in-service training. The bill also ensures officers who served in active military duty during designated conflicts (and were unable to attend training due to service) receive the bonus regardless of training completion. This applies to officers at institutions covered under Tennessee’s campus law enforcement statutes. The policy change takes effect July 1, 2025.
