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.
SB 1698 increases the penalty for impersonating a law enforcement officer from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class E felony when the impersonation occurs during the commission or attempt of a crime of violence. This change directly affects individuals who falsely pose as police officers while committing or attempting violent crimes. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 39-16-301, to establish this higher penalty level. The law will take effect on July 1, 2026.
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 1607 changes the penalty for assaulting a first responder or law enforcement officer from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class E felony. It requires a mandatory $10,000 fine and a 60-day minimum jail sentence with no early release for such offenses. The bill also establishes a separate penalty for assaulting a nurse, which would be a Class A misdemeanor with a $5,000 fine and 30-day minimum sentence. The law is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2026.
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.
HB 1642 removes expiration dates for specific public record exemptions in Tennessee law, amending TCA Section 10-7-504. The bill deletes five listed exemptions (including those related to law enforcement records and personnel files) that previously had set end dates. This change makes these exemptions permanent, meaning government agencies no longer need to re-evaluate their applicability after a certain period. The bill directly affects state and local government agencies that manage public records, as it alters how long certain information remains exempt from disclosure requests under the state’s open records law.
HB 1757 creates a new Class A misdemeanor offense for recklessly discharging a firearm into the air, ground, water, or an object near people at public gatherings or events with at least 25 attendees. It directly affects individuals who recklessly fire guns in these settings, such as during concerts, sports events, or festivals. Key exceptions include law enforcement officers acting in duty, military personnel, wildlife officers, and situations involving self-defense against animal attacks. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026, and amends Tennessee Code Annotated Title 39.
HB 1649, known as "Matthew Davenport's Law," makes it illegal to possess, manufacture, deliver, or sell Kratom (including synthetic versions) in Tennessee, with penalties ranging from a Class A misdemeanor for possession to a Class B felony for selling to minors. The bill requires medical examiners to test decedents who died of suspected drug overdoses for Kratom, and mandates doctors to include Kratom testing in cases of suspected overdose or neonatal withdrawal symptoms in newborns. It also adds Kratom to the state’s definition of "drug" for regulatory purposes. The law takes effect on July 1, 2026, directly affecting individuals using Kratom, medical professionals, and law enforcement.
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.
