A RESOLUTION to propose an amendment to Article VI, Section 14, of the Constitution of Tennessee, relative to penalties for violations of municipal ordinances.
SJR0922 is part of ongoing legislative efforts to refine local governance in Tennessee. Supporters believe that the increased penalties are necessary for maintaining order and compliance with municipal regulations, while opponents caution against potential overreach and socioeconomic disparities that might arise from harsher penalties.
If adopted, this amendment would significantly affect municipal law enforcement across Tennessee. By allowing higher penalties for ordinance violations, local courts would gain more authority to enforce compliance, which could lead to a more structured enforcement of local laws. This could help municipalities manage issues such as zoning, public safety, and health regulations more effectively, offering them additional tools to deter violations.
Senate Joint Resolution 922 (SJR0922) proposes an amendment to Article VI, Section 14, of the Tennessee Constitution. The primary focus of this resolution is to authorize municipal courts in Tennessee to impose civil penalties of up to three thousand dollars for violations of municipal ordinances. This change seeks to clarify and enhance the scope of penalties that local governments can enforce to uphold regulations and ensure compliance within their jurisdictions.
The proposal has faced scrutiny and debate among Tennessee legislators. Notably, during the discussions surrounding SJR0922, some members expressed concern that increasing penalties might disproportionately impact lower-income residents. Critics have raised questions about the fairness and effectiveness of imposing such civil penalties, arguing that it could lead to increased financial burdens on individuals who may inadvertently violate local ordinances. Additionally, the resolution failed to pass in the Senate Judiciary Committee, garnering only 2 votes in favor and 5 against, indicating significant opposition to the measure.