Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

Tennessee Senate Bill SB1496

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 8; Title 10 and Title 38, relative to law enforcement.

Impact

Should SB1496 be passed, it would significantly alter the way law enforcement can operate regarding the monitoring of individuals and communities, particularly concerning their expression and association. The bill aims to reinforce the protection of civil liberties by preventing unlawful surveillance and intelligence activities that could violate First Amendment rights. This could mean a re-evaluation of how investigations are conducted, ensuring that they do not infringe upon these fundamental rights.

Summary

Senate Bill 1496 proposes amendments to the Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically addressing the operations of law enforcement agencies in relation to First Amendment rights. The bill emphasizes that law enforcement must not engage in activities that interfere with an individual's rights to free speech, assembly, and association. It imposes strict limitations on gathering intelligence or conducting surveillance that targets individuals based on their beliefs, opinions, or associations, effectively aiming to protect citizens from potential overreach by law enforcement authorities.

Contention

The introduction of SB1496 has sparked discussions about the balance between law enforcement duties and the protection of civil liberties. Proponents of the bill argue that it provides critical safeguards against potential abuses of power, ensuring that individuals are not unfairly targeted based on their beliefs or affiliations. Conversely, opponents may argue that such limitations could hinder law enforcement's ability to effectively monitor and mitigate threats, potentially complicating criminal investigations. The bill speaks to a broader conversation about privacy, surveillance, and the role of law enforcement in a democratic society.

Companion Bills

TN HB1235

Crossfiled AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 8; Title 10 and Title 38, relative to law enforcement.

Previously Filed As

TN HB1235

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 8; Title 10 and Title 38, relative to law enforcement.

TN SB0073

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 12; Title 43; Title 45; Title 47; Title 48; Title 50; Title 61; Title 66 and Title 67, relative to commerce.

TN HB1181

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 12; Title 43; Title 45; Title 47; Title 48; Title 50; Title 61; Title 66 and Title 67, relative to commerce.

TN HB0910

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 8 and Title 68, relative to human rights.

TN SB0861

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 8 and Title 68, relative to human rights.

TN HB2752

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 8; Title 10; Title 33; Title 36; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 49; Title 50 and Title 70, relative to firearms.

TN SB1055

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 7; Title 16; Title 38; Title 40; Title 55 and Title 57, relative to expunction.

TN HB1257

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 7; Title 16; Title 38; Title 40; Title 55 and Title 57, relative to expunction.

TN SB0005

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 8; Title 9; Title 14; Title 33; Title 63 and Title 68, relative to health.

TN HB1378

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 8; Title 9; Title 14; Title 33; Title 63 and Title 68, relative to health.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.