Tennessee House Bill HB2580

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/30/24
• Refer: 2/5/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 8 and Title 10, Chapter 7, Part 5, relative to confidential information of law enforcement officers.

Impact

The passage of HB2580 would have a significant effect on the collection, maintenance, and dissemination of data related to law enforcement personnel. By instituting confidentiality for this information, the bill would place stricter limitations on how local and state agencies handle sensitive data, aiming to safeguard officers and their families from potential threats. Furthermore, this legislation could set a precedent for future bills concerning the privacy rights of public employees, particularly in roles that require high accountability and public visibility.

Summary

House Bill 2580 seeks to amend Tennessee Code Annotated by introducing a new provision that enhances the confidentiality of certain information pertaining to law enforcement officers. Specifically, this bill mandates that details such as the names and locations of schools and daycare facilities attended by the children of these officers, along with other sensitive personal information, must be kept confidential. This decision aims to protect the privacy of law enforcement families, acknowledging the risks and public scrutiny they may face.

Contention

There may be points of contention surrounding HB2580, particularly regarding the balance between public transparency and the privacy rights of officers and their families. While proponents argue that enhanced confidentiality is crucial for protecting officers in an increasingly dangerous environment, critics may raise concerns over the public’s right to information, especially when it relates to government employees. This debate touches on broader issues of surveillance, trust in public agencies, and community policing efforts, which could influence both public opinion and legislative discussions around this bill.