Tennessee Senate Bill SB1464

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/9/25

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 5; Title 6; Title 7; Title 8; Title 10; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 41 and Chapter 253 of the Public Acts of 2021, relative to confidential records.

Impact

If enacted, SB1464 will significantly amend various sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated to strengthen privacy protections related to immigration enforcement. By explicitly stating that certain information is confidential, it will limit public access to data that could expose immigration officers to harassment or violence. Additionally, it ensures that operational details pertinent to immigration enforcement are also kept confidential, preempting any conflicting local governmental policies and procedures.

Summary

Senate Bill 1464 aims to enhance the confidentiality of personal identifying information and operational details pertaining to federal, state, and local officers involved in immigration enforcement activities within Tennessee. The bill stipulates that names, contact information, and addresses of officials participating in immigration enforcement cannot be subject to public inspection. This initiative is presented as essential for safeguarding the officers' security and maintaining public confidence in immigration operations.

Contention

The bill underscored a point of contention as it establishes criminal penalties for officials who disclose confidential information, which may raise concerns about transparency and accountability in public service. Specifically, local and state officials who negligently share this information could face felony charges, aligning legal repercussions with the gravity of information exposure. Opponents may argue that such provisions could inhibit necessary oversight and the public's right to access certain government-held information.