Tennessee House Bill HB1418

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 8; Title 10; Title 24; Title 28; Title 38; Title 40 and Title 41, relative to law enforcement records.

Impact

By adjusting the retention deadline, the bill may influence the efficiency with which law enforcement agencies manage their records and their ability to provide access to the public. Proponents of the bill might argue that this change enhances accountability and transparency within law enforcement practices, ensuring that important records are preserved and available to the public in a timely manner.

Summary

House Bill 1418 aims to amend multiple provisions of the Tennessee Code Annotated relating to law enforcement records. Specifically, the bill focuses on adjusting the deadline for the retention of certain law enforcement records, moving the cut-off date from March 31 to February 1. This change reflects an effort to streamline the management and accessibility of law enforcement documentation, potentially impacting how these records are handled by agencies across Tennessee.

Contention

The passage of HB 1418 may evoke differing opinions among various stakeholder groups. Advocates for public transparency in law enforcement records might support the bill for its potential to improve access to critical information, fostering public trust. However, concerns could arise over the implications of the new cut-off date, as law enforcement agencies may find the change operationally challenging, impacting their record-keeping practices and the burden of compliance with the updated timeline.