Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

Tennessee House Bill HB6001

Introduced
1/22/25  
Refer
1/28/25  
Refer
1/29/25  
Refer
1/29/25  
Chaptered
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.

Companion Bills

TN SB6002

Crossfiled 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.

Previously Filed As

TN SB1692

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 5; Title 6; Title 7; Title 39; Title 47; Title 48; Title 55; Title 56; Title 62; Title 66 and Title 67, relative to parking.

TN HB1731

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 5; Title 6; Title 7; Title 39; Title 47; Title 48; Title 55; Title 56; Title 62; Title 66 and Title 67, relative to parking.

TN HB2678

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 5; Title 6; Title 7; Title 8; Title 9; Title 37; Title 49; Title 50; Title 66 and Title 67, relative to education.

TN SB2557

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 5; Title 6; Title 7; Title 8; Title 9; Title 37; Title 49; Title 50; Title 66 and Title 67, relative to education.

TN HB1285

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 12; Title 39; Title 40; Title 47; Title 53; Title 55; Title 57; Title 67; Title 69 and Title 70, relative to forfeiture.

TN SB1462

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 12; Title 39; Title 40; Title 47; Title 53; Title 55; Title 57; Title 67; Title 69 and Title 70, relative to forfeiture.

TN HB0085

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 29; Title 33; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 41; Title 43; Title 45; Title 50; Title 53; Title 63; Title 67; Title 68 and Title 71, relative to cannabis.

TN SB0168

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 29; Title 33; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 41; Title 43; Title 45; Title 50; Title 53; Title 63; Title 67; Title 68 and Title 71, relative to cannabis.

TN HB2089

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 2; Title 4; Title 8; Title 12; Title 13; Title 33; Title 34; Title 37; Title 40; Title 41; Title 45; Title 49; Title 52; Title 55; Title 56; Title 63; Title 67; Title 68; Title 71 and Chapter 1100 of the Public Acts of 2010, relative to the Tennessee Disability and Aging Act of 2024.

TN SB2098

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 2; Title 4; Title 8; Title 12; Title 13; Title 33; Title 34; Title 37; Title 40; Title 41; Title 45; Title 49; Title 52; Title 55; Title 56; Title 63; Title 67; Title 68; Title 71 and Chapter 1100 of the Public Acts of 2010, relative to the Tennessee Disability and Aging Act of 2024.

Similar Bills

TN SB6002

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.

TN SB1311

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, Chapter 5 and Title 49, Chapter 6, relative to teacher licensure.

TN HB1323

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, Chapter 5 and Title 49, Chapter 6, relative to teacher licensure.

TN HB0069

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 2; Title 4; Title 38; Title 39; Title 41 and Title 55, relative to determining voter eligibility.

TN SB0133

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 2; Title 4; Title 38; Title 39; Title 41 and Title 55, relative to determining voter eligibility.

TN HB0082

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 50, Chapter 6, relative to workers' compensation.

TN SB0263

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 50, Chapter 6, relative to workers' compensation.

TN SB1049

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 43; Title 53; Title 67 and Title 68, relative to food that is available for consumption at farmers markets.