Tennessee House Bill HB1392

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/23
• Refer: 3/14/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 38; Title 39 and Title 40, relative to law enforcement.

Impact

The bill's amendments suggest a move towards more rigorous data reporting standards in Tennessee. By ensuring that the data includes agency-specific information, proponents believe that stakeholders, such as the public and policymakers, will have better tools to analyze law enforcement activities and trends. This could potentially lead to improved oversight mechanisms and foster public trust in law enforcement practices, as well as inform discussions on policing policies throughout the state.

Summary

House Bill 1392 proposes amendments to several sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically Titles 38, 39, and 40, which pertain to law enforcement practices. The primary aim of the bill is to reform the way law enforcement data is collected and reported. One significant change outlined in the bill is the requirement for law enforcement agencies to provide not just statewide and countywide aggregate data, but also data specific to each agency. This shift is intended to enhance transparency and accountability within law enforcement agencies by making more detailed data publicly available.

Contention

While the bill seeks to improve transparency and accountability, there may be varying perspectives on the implications of such requirements. Some critics might argue that this increased data reporting burden on law enforcement agencies could strain resources, especially in smaller departments with limited staffing and funding. Additionally, concerns may arise regarding the interpretation of this data and the potential for misuse or misrepresentation in public discourse, leading to challenges related to public perception of law enforcement.

Notable_points

Furthermore, the bill is positioned to take effect immediately upon becoming law, reflecting a sense of urgency in enforcing these reporting changes. This urgency indicates a legislative recognition of the need for enhanced data collection practices in light of ongoing discussions about police accountability and community relations. Thus, HB1392 stands as a pivotal piece of legislation in shaping the framework for law enforcement reporting in Tennessee.