Tennessee House Bill HB1128

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/23
• Refer: 3/8/23
• Refer: 4/3/24
• Refer: 4/23/24
• Chaptered: 5/29/24
• Passed: 5/29/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 8; Title 10; Title 16; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40 and Title 55, relative to criminal justice.

Impact

The enactment of HB 1128 is expected to influence state laws particularly related to the treatment of individuals in the criminal justice system. The bill's requirements impose additional administrative protocols on local law enforcement and jails, potentially affecting how arrests and bookings are processed. By institutionalizing the verification of citizenship status, the bill could also lead to increased scrutiny of individuals' legal status and might have further implications on the treatment of undocumented individuals within the state's justice framework.

Summary

House Bill 1128 aims to amend various sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically concerning the criminal justice system by establishing procedures for verifying the citizenship status of individuals arrested and booked in county or municipal jails. The bill mandates collaboration between law enforcement agencies and jail authorities to ensure that documentation of persons' citizenship status is recorded and reported to the district attorneys general conference if legal status cannot be ascertained.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 1128 appears to be contentious, with proponents advocating for measures that enhance law enforcement capabilities to track and manage individuals who are not lawfully present in the United States. Supporters argue that such regulations are necessary for public safety and responsible governance. Conversely, opponents express concerns that the bill may foster discrimination against non-citizens and may contribute to an atmosphere of fear among immigrant communities, potentially leading to a chilling effect on those who might be apprehensive to engage with law enforcement.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the potential for the bill to intrude on civil liberties and the ethical considerations surrounding immigration enforcement at the local level. Critics argue that it could lead to racial profiling and undue burdens on law enforcement officers tasked with carrying out these verification responsibilities. Furthermore, there are concerns about the imbalance it may create within communities, as undocumented immigrants might become wary of law enforcement due to fear of deportation or legal repercussions from interactions concerning their citizenship status.