Tennessee House Bill HB6001

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/22/25
• Refer: 1/28/25
• Refer: 1/29/25
• Chaptered: 2/25/25
• Passed: 2/25/25

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 2; Title 4; Title 5; Title 6; Title 7; Title 8 and Title 55, relative to non-United States citizens.

Impact

If enacted, HB6001 will enable the state to enhance its immigration enforcement strategies significantly. It mandates local governments to enter into agreements with the U.S. Attorney General under the 287(g) program, which allows local law enforcement to assist in enforcing federal immigration laws. The bill creates an immigration enforcement grant program designed to incentivize local governments that comply with these agreements. Consequently, local law enforcement agencies may receive funding for training and operational support to facilitate these efforts.

Summary

House Bill 6001 introduces significant amendments to the Tennessee Code Annotated, impacting various titles related to non-United States citizens. The bill establishes a centralized immigration enforcement division within the Department of Safety, led by a Chief Immigration Enforcement Officer appointed by the governor. This division is tasked with overseeing state and local collaboration with federal immigration agencies, ensuring compliance with immigration laws, and administering grant programs aimed at bolstering local immigration enforcement capabilities.

Conclusion

Overall, HB6001 represents a substantial shift in Tennessee's approach to immigration enforcement by centralizing authority within state structures while asserting state interests over local governance. The intersection of state and local policy on immigration could reshape the landscape of legal enforcement and community relations in Tennessee, prompting further debate on the balance between public safety and civil liberties.

Contention

The measures in HB6001 have sparked concerns regarding the scope of local governments' powers in immigration matters. Critics argue that mandating local compliance with federal immigration laws undermines local sovereignty and could lead to the criminalization of local officials who fail to enforce these laws. The bill specifies penalties for non-compliance, including possible felony charges for officials who vote affirmatively to adopt sanctuary policies. Such provisions could create a chilling effect, where local governments hesitate to adopt policies tailored to their community's needs due to fear of repercussions.