Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

Tennessee Senate Bill SB2970

Introduced
2/23/24  
Chaptered
4/3/24  

Caption

AN ACT to amend Chapter 272 of the Acts of 1901; as amended and rewritten by Chapter 115 of the Private Acts of 2006; Chapter 19 of the Private Acts of 2023; and any other acts amendatory thereto, relative to the charter of the Town of Petersburg.

Impact

The proposed amendments are expected to enhance the effectiveness of law enforcement in Petersburg by formally empowering police officers to act decisively when witnessing criminal activity. This shift is intended to bolster public safety and ensure that law enforcement can respond to violations more efficiently. Additionally, eliminating the auditing requirements in favor of police authorities may streamline the operations of the town’s governance, but this aspect might create concerns regarding oversight and accountability.

Summary

Senate Bill 2970 aims to amend the charter of the Town of Petersburg by redefining the roles and powers of the town's police department. The bill proposes to replace existing provisions regarding audits and accounting with explicit authority for the chief of police and police officers to execute state warrants and arrest individuals committing offenses within their view. This change reinforces the police's role in maintaining law and order while outlining their operational scope more clearly.

Sentiment

Discussion around SB 2970 appears to express a supportive sentiment among proponents who argue that the bill is a necessary update to the town's governance framework. They believe that the changes made in this legislation will modernize the operational capacity of the police department. However, there might be some contention regarding removing the audit requirements, as critics may fear this could lead to potential mismanagement or lack of checks on town finances.

Contention

A notable point of contention within the legislative discourse surrounding SB 2970 could arise from the balance between enhancing police powers and maintaining financial oversight of municipal operations. Some legislators may argue that while empowering police officers represents a positive step towards community safety, the removal of audit standards could pose risks to responsible fiscal management within the town. The bill’s approval requires a two-thirds majority vote from the town’s legislative body, emphasizing the necessity for bipartisan support and consent from the community it will affect.

Companion Bills

TN HB2977

Crossfiled AN ACT to amend Chapter 272 of the Acts of 1901; as amended and rewritten by Chapter 115 of the Private Acts of 2006; Chapter 19 of the Private Acts of 2023; and any other acts amendatory thereto, relative to the charter of the Town of Petersburg.

Previously Filed As

TN HB2977

AN ACT to amend Chapter 272 of the Acts of 1901; as amended and rewritten by Chapter 115 of the Private Acts of 2006; Chapter 19 of the Private Acts of 2023; and any other acts amendatory thereto, relative to the charter of the Town of Petersburg.

TN SB1552

AN ACT to amend Chapter 272 of the Acts of 1901; as amended and rewritten by Chapter 115 of the Private Acts of 2006; as amended by Chapter 13 of the Private Acts of 2015 and Chapter 42 of the Private Acts of 2022; and any other acts amendatory thereto, relative to the Town of Petersburg.

TN HB1562

AN ACT to amend Chapter 272 of the Acts of 1901; as amended and rewritten by Chapter 115 of the Private Acts of 2006; as amended by Chapter 13 of the Private Acts of 2015 and Chapter 42 of the Private Acts of 2022; and any other acts amendatory thereto, relative to the Town of Petersburg.

TN HB1566

AN ACT to amend Chapter 167 of the Private Acts of 1994; as amended by Chapter 39 of the Private Acts of 2020 and Chapter 52 of the Private Acts of 2022; and any other acts amendatory thereto, relative to the charter of the Town of Oakland.

TN SB1554

AN ACT to amend Chapter 167 of the Private Acts of 1994; as amended by Chapter 39 of the Private Acts of 2020 and Chapter 52 of the Private Acts of 2022; and any other acts amendatory thereto, relative to the charter of the Town of Oakland.

TN HB3001

AN ACT to amend Chapter 211 of the Private Acts of 1917; as amended by Chapter 256 of the Private Acts of 1955 and Chapter 87 of the Private Acts of 1983; and any other acts amendatory thereto, relative to the charter of the Town of Oneida.

TN SB2984

AN ACT to amend Chapter 211 of the Private Acts of 1917; as amended by Chapter 256 of the Private Acts of 1955 and Chapter 87 of the Private Acts of 1983; and any other acts amendatory thereto, relative to the charter of the Town of Oneida.

TN HB1552

AN ACT to amend Chapter 159 of the Private Acts of 2002; and any other acts amendatory thereto, relative to the charter for the Town of Chapel Hill.

TN SB1544

AN ACT to amend Chapter 159 of the Private Acts of 2002; and any other acts amendatory thereto, relative to the charter for the Town of Chapel Hill.

TN SB1562

AN ACT to amend Chapter 167 of the Private Acts of 1994; as amended by Chapter 39 of the Private Acts of 2020; and any other acts amendatory thereto, relative to the charter of the Town of Oakland.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.