Tennessee House Bill HB0674

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/26/23
• Refer: 3/15/23
• Failed: 3/22/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 38; Title 39; Title 66 and Title 68, relative to gated communities.

Impact

The proposed legislation intends to assess the effectiveness of gates in deterring crime, which is a significant concern for residents in gated communities across Tennessee. If the findings indicate a strong deterrent effect, this could lead to further legislative actions based on TACIR's recommendations, influencing how communities may be structured or policed in the future. Moreover, the results of this study may have implications for state laws governing community safety and housing regulations, potentially leading to new regulations that address security measures in housing developments.

Summary

House Bill 0674, also known as HB0674, proposes amendments to the Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically targeting issues relevant to gated communities. The primary focus of the bill is to authorize the Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations (TACIR) to conduct a study. This study aims to evaluate the impact of gated systems on crime rates, including robberies, burglaries, home invasions, and other forms of violence both within and outside these communities. By examining these elements, the bill seeks to address public safety concerns associated with gated environments.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HB0674 appears to be cautiously optimistic, focusing on the potential benefits of understanding crime deterrence in gated communities. Supporters of the bill argue that a systematic study could provide valuable insights that contribute to enhanced public safety, while addressing the concerns of residents. However, there may be some reservations regarding costs, scope, and the implications of potential changes in regulations that could arise from the study's outcomes.

Contention

While the bill mainly focuses on studying the correlation between gated access and crime rates, contention may arise regarding the privacy and security implications for residents of such communities. Opponents could argue that a focus on gated communities may overlook broader underlying issues related to crime prevention and community safety. Additionally, the study's findings could lead to contentious debates about the regulation of residential neighborhoods and how best to ensure safety without infringing on residents' rights.