Bill > SB0675

This bill establishes a new process for investigating potential legal violations by local governments in Tennessee, empowering members of the state legislature to request that the attorney general investigate ordinances, regulations, or policies they believe may violate state law or the Tennessee Constitution. Under the bill, when a legislator requests an investigation, the attorney general must conduct a review within 30 days and provide a written report to key state officials. If the investigation finds a violation, the attorney general must notify the local government and give them 30 days to resolve the issue. If the local government fails to resolve the violation, the attorney general can trigger financial penalties by requesting the commissioner of revenue to withhold local option sales and use tax revenues from that political subdivision. Before requesting an investigation, legislators must first provide a written notification to the local government's chief executive, giving them 60 days to address the alleged violation. The bill includes safeguards to ensure that fund withholding does not violate existing contracts, federal requirements, court judgments, or state constitutional obligations. The legislation aims to create a structured mechanism for state-level oversight of local government actions and provide a clear path for addressing potential legal infractions.

Justice

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB0675&ga=114