Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

Tennessee House Bill HB0451

Introduced
1/25/23  

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 38 and Title 39, relative to the department of safety.

Impact

The passage of HB 0451 could significantly alter the state's approach to immigration issues. By instituting a formal tracking and reporting mechanism, the bill enables the collection of specific information about unauthorized immigrants, including the identities of individuals and businesses allegedly involved in housing or transporting them. This transparency is intended to bolster law enforcement efforts but raises concerns regarding privacy and the potential for discrimination against immigrant communities.

Summary

House Bill 0451, known as the 'Tennessee Immigration Transparency Act', seeks to establish a centralized reporting and record system concerning unauthorized immigrants in the state. Mandated to be operational by January 1, 2024, the Tennessee Department of Safety is required to create a system that collects data on unauthorized immigrants who are either housed or traveling within Tennessee. The bill outlines definitions and requirements for how unauthorized immigrants should be reported and investigated, aiming to enhance law enforcement's ability to respond to legal violations involving these individuals.

Contention

Major points of contention center around concerns about the implications of increased surveillance on immigrant populations. Opponents argue that the bill may foster an atmosphere of fear among immigrant communities, dissuading individuals from seeking essential services or reporting crimes for fear of deportation. Supporters assert that the legislation is necessary for public safety and lawful compliance, emphasizing that the intention is not discriminatory but aimed at maintaining order and legality in state immigration matters.

Companion Bills

TN SB0437

Crossfiled AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 38 and Title 39, relative to the department of safety.

Previously Filed As

TN SB0437

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 38 and Title 39, relative to the department of safety.

TN SB2515

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 7; Title 8; Title 38 and Title 68, relative to the department of safety.

TN HB2304

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 7; Title 8; Title 38 and Title 68, relative to the department of safety.

TN SB2223

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 8, Chapter 6; Title 29; Title 38; Title 39; Title 45 and Title 47, relative to merchant codes.

TN HB2762

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 8, Chapter 6; Title 29; Title 38; Title 39; Title 45 and Title 47, relative to merchant codes.

TN SB1692

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 5; Title 6; Title 7; Title 39; Title 47; Title 48; Title 55; Title 56; Title 62; Title 66 and Title 67, relative to parking.

TN HB1731

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 5; Title 6; Title 7; Title 39; Title 47; Title 48; Title 55; Title 56; Title 62; Title 66 and Title 67, relative to parking.

TN SB0330

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 3; Title 4; Title 8; Title 9; Title 27; Title 29; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40 and Title 41, relative to corrections.

TN HB1899

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 8; Title 37; Title 38; Title 49 and Title 62, relative to school safety.

TN SB2025

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 8; Title 37; Title 38; Title 49 and Title 62, relative to school safety.

Similar Bills

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TN SB0437

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 38 and Title 39, relative to the department of safety.

NJ S4221

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NJ A2720

Prohibits the employment of unauthorized aliens and requires employers to use E-Verify program.

NJ A1273

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PA HB903

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PA HB905

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CA ACR113

State government.