Bill > SB0255

This bill addresses a specific legal situation involving municipal judges in Tennessee, particularly in response to a Tennessee Supreme Court decision (McNabb v. Harrison) regarding residency requirements. The bill protects municipal judges who were elected or appointed before March 7, 2025, and who do not meet new residency requirements from being disqualified or removed from their current term of office. Specifically, the bill declares that such judges will be considered "de facto officers," meaning their past and ongoing judicial acts, judgments, and decisions will remain valid and legally binding. The new residency requirements established by the court will only be enforced prospectively, beginning with the next regularly scheduled election for municipal judgeships after the bill's effective date. Importantly, the bill emphasizes that while the residency requirement is being addressed, municipal judges must still meet all other existing qualification and eligibility criteria. The act takes effect immediately upon becoming law, as determined by the Tennessee General Assembly.

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https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB0255&ga=114