Tennessee House Bill HB0056

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/23
• Refer: 1/12/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 38, Chapter 8, Part 1, relative to law enforcement officer qualifications.

Impact

One of the significant changes introduced by HB0056 is the prohibition against certifying individuals who have been decertified in another state due to criminal or other misconduct. This measure is designed to enhance the integrity of the certification process for law enforcement officers in Tennessee, ensuring that those who have demonstrated inappropriate conduct elsewhere cannot easily gain certification in Tennessee. Furthermore, employing agencies will now be required to conduct background checks against the National Decertification Index prior to certifying out-of-state individuals.

Summary

House Bill 56 (HB0056) aims to amend the Tennessee Code Annotated regarding the qualifications necessary for law enforcement officers. The bill proposes changes to existing legislation that outlines who can be certified as law enforcement personnel in the state. Key amendments include stipulations for citizenship or permanent residency and give the commission the responsibility to assess any out-of-state officer's qualifications based on their training, experience, and education.

Contention

The introduction of this bill has sparked discussions among policymakers and law enforcement officials regarding the balance between adequate vetting of law enforcement personnel and the potential implications for staffing, especially in areas experiencing officer shortages. Supporters of the bill argue that it is a necessary step in maintaining high professional standards and public trust, while some detractors may raise concerns about the implications for experienced officers from other states, particularly those facing decertification for reasons deemed less severe than outright misconduct.