Tennessee Senate Bill SB2624

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 3; Title 4; Title 5; Title 6; Title 8; Title 38; Title 58 and Title 68, relative to law enforcement.

Impact

The proposed changes will enable Tennessee law enforcement agencies to engage more effectively with their counterparts in other states during emergencies. This is particularly relevant for issues such as natural disasters, public safety threats, or any events requiring a rapid response that exceeds the capacity of local resources. By reinforcing the ability for cross-state collaboration, the bill aims to improve public safety outcomes and operational efficiency during critical situations.

Summary

Senate Bill 2624 seeks to amend various titles within the Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically relating to law enforcement. The bill grants state and local law enforcement agencies the authority to provide assistance to other states or law enforcement agencies in times of emergency. This legislative change is aimed at enhancing the cooperative response capabilities of law enforcement agencies across state lines, particularly during significant incidents that require coordinated efforts.

Contention

While the bill is predominantly viewed as a positive step toward bolstering emergency response efforts, there may be concerns surrounding the scope of authority granted to law enforcement in this context. Questions could arise about the conditions under which one state’s agencies can assist another, or about oversight mechanisms to ensure that such cooperative actions are appropriate and effective. Additionally, discussions may address the potential financial implications for state budgets and resource allocation as a result of increased inter-agency collaboration.