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.
This bill prevents Tennessee counties with charter governments from reducing a sheriff's budget below the previous year's level for essential services (like personnel salaries, benefits, and operations) without the sheriff's written approval. Sheriffs gain the authority to disapprove any budget changes that would cut personnel, operations, or capital spending below their proposed level. County legislative bodies can override a sheriff's disapproval only with a two-thirds vote. It directly affects sheriffs and county councils in charter counties regarding budget decisions for core sheriff functions.
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.
HB 1911 would allow non-citizen residents of Tennessee to access their own law enforcement records, such as arrest reports or traffic citations, by removing a citizenship requirement in public records law. To obtain these records, non-citizens must submit a written request, a government-issued photo ID, and an affidavit confirming the record pertains solely to them. The bill specifically applies only to records about the requester and does not override existing confidentiality laws for other types of records. This change would directly affect non-citizen individuals seeking access to their personal law enforcement documentation within Tennessee.
SB 1747 creates a new Class A misdemeanor offense for recklessly firing a firearm into the air, ground, water, or nearby objects at public events with 25 or more people present. It directly affects individuals who engage in such reckless discharges in crowded public settings, such as concerts or festivals. Key exceptions include law enforcement officers acting in duty, wildlife officers, licensed hunters during open seasons, and defensive use against animal attacks. The law, effective July 1, 2026, aims to address public safety risks from negligent firearm discharge in crowded areas.
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 1724 allows jails in Tennessee to refuse accepting arrestees who require medical attention and were arrested for a non-violent misdemeanor (not a crime against a person). The arresting agency must arrange for a healthcare provider to evaluate the arrestee and obtain a release form confirming the person no longer needs medical care or can be confined. This applies specifically to misdemeanor offenses under Title 39, Chapter 13 (e.g., minor property offenses, non-violent violations). The law takes effect July 1, 2026, and amends Tennessee Code Sections 41-4-145 and related provisions.
HB 1545 would have allowed certain felony offenders in Tennessee to apply to seal their criminal records after completing all sentencing requirements and avoiding new convictions for five years. Eligible individuals (excluding those convicted of specific violent or serious offenses listed in the bill) would have paid a $500 fee to petition courts, with records sealed from public access except for limited uses by law enforcement, the Department of Health, and peace officer training agencies. The bill applied only to 43 specified offenses, such as theft, fraud, vandalism, and non-violent property crimes - not all felonies. However, the bill was withdrawn on February 2, 2026, and never became law.
SB 1635 expands the definition of "medical condition" under Tennessee's 2021 Precious Cargo Act to include communication disorders like stuttering, speech issues, and language disorders. This change allows drivers with these conditions to qualify for a special designation in the state's Vehicle Title and Registration System (VTRS), alerting first responders during traffic stops that the driver may need communication assistance. The bill amends Tennessee Code §55-21-303(a)(2) to explicitly list these disorders as qualifying medical conditions. The provision will take effect on July 1, 2026, directly benefiting eligible drivers in traffic interactions with law enforcement.
HB 2081 amends Tennessee laws related to child abuse and sexual abuse by adding the commissioner of mental health and substance abuse services to the Second Look Commission (Section 1). It updates legal definitions to include "strangulation" in abuse statutes (Sections 7, 8) and requires law enforcement officers to refer victims of child sexual abuse to child advocacy centers for forensic interviews (Section 9). The bill also expands the commission’s access to state agency records for its work (Section 6). These changes directly affect child protective teams, law enforcement, and child advocacy centers handling abuse cases. Most provisions take effect July 1, 2026.
