Tennessee House Bill HJR0858

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/24
• Refer: 2/1/24
• Refer: 3/13/24
• Refer: 3/26/24

Caption

A RESOLUTION to propose an amendment to Article VI, Section 14, of the Constitution of Tennessee, relative to penalties for violations of municipal ordinances.

Impact

If adopted, this amendment would significantly alter the legal landscape regarding how municipal violations are handled in Tennessee. The capacity for municipal courts to impose higher civil penalties would empower local governments to more effectively regulate compliance with local ordinances. This change could lead to more consistent enforcement of local laws and potentially deter violations by imposing monetary consequences that municipalities can utilize as a tool for compliance.

Summary

HJR0858 is a resolution proposing an amendment to Article VI, Section 14 of the Tennessee Constitution, specifically focused on the penalties that can be imposed for violations of municipal ordinances. This proposed amendment aims to grant municipal courts the authority to impose civil penalties of up to three thousand dollars for such violations. The intent is to enhance the enforcement options available to local governments while maintaining accountability for ordinance breaches.

Contention

Discussions surrounding HJR0858 may reveal varying perspectives on local governance and the balance of power between state and local authorities. Supporters of the amendment assert that increasing the penalty cap enables municipalities to deal effectively with repeated violations and to uphold community standards. Conversely, some critics may argue that raising civil penalties could disproportionately affect lower-income individuals and invite concerns over potential overreach in local governance.