Tennessee Senate Bill SB0021

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/2/25

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 1; Title 3; Title 4; Title 5; Title 6; Title 7; Title 8; Title 13; Title 14; Title 43; Title 45; Title 49; Title 50; Title 53; Title 59; Title 60; Title 62; Title 63; Title 65; Title 66; Title 68; Title 69 and Title 70, relative to state sovereignty.

Impact

If passed, SB0021 would amend various titles of the Tennessee Code Annotated, emphasizing the supremacy of state law over international regulations. This law would mandate that governmental entities refrain from adopting rules based on international policies unless explicitly authorized by state law. Proponents of the bill argue that it protects Tennesseans from external influence and ensures that local governance remains paramount over foreign directives. This assertion could have significant implications on how state laws interact with federal regulations stemming from international agreements.

Summary

Senate Bill 21 (SB0021) aims to assert state sovereignty by limiting the jurisdiction and authority of international policymaking organizations within Tennessee. The bill explicitly states that such organizations, including entities like the World Health Organization and the United Nations, hold no jurisdiction in the state or its political subdivisions. This legislation seeks to affirm that any federal laws or rules that stem from the policies of these international bodies would similarly have no jurisdiction or enforceability within Tennessee.

Contention

Opposition to SB0021 may arise from concerns related to potential conflicts with federal authority and international standards. Critics may view the bill as an attempt to isolate Tennessee from global cooperation on pressing issues such as public health and safety. Additionally, discussions may revolve around the effectiveness of wholly excluding international guidelines from state legislation, especially in areas where cooperation can yield mutual benefits. The bill's ramifications would compel a reevaluation of Tennessee's engagement with national and international standards, particularly as global challenges increasingly necessitate collaborative solutions.