Bill > HB0490

This bill addresses a specific legal situation regarding municipal judges in Tennessee, particularly in response to a Tennessee Supreme Court decision (McNabb v. Harrison) that appears to have established new residency requirements for municipal judges. The bill provides protection for municipal judges who were elected or appointed before March 7, 2025, ensuring they will not be disqualified or removed from office due to residency requirements that were not in effect at the time of their initial election or appointment. Specifically, the bill declares that any municipal judge in this situation shall be considered a "de facto officer," meaning their past and ongoing judicial acts, judgments, and decisions will remain valid and binding throughout their current term. The new residency requirements established by the Supreme Court will only be enforced prospectively, beginning with the next regularly scheduled election for affected municipal judgeships. The bill emphasizes that this provision only addresses the residency requirement and does not exempt municipal judges from other qualification or eligibility requirements. The act takes effect immediately upon becoming law, with the stated purpose of serving the public welfare.

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https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB0490&ga=114