Bill > SB0845

This bill establishes a new procedure for the Tennessee Attorney General to review and challenge local government actions that potentially violate state law or the state constitution. Under the bill, if a state legislator requests an investigation, the Attorney General can review a local government's ordinance, regulation, or policy, and if found to be in violation, must send a written notice detailing the specific statutory or constitutional breach. The local government then has 60 days to either: resolve the violation by repealing or revising the action, or challenge the Attorney General's findings through a special action before a three-judge panel. If the local government does not respond or is found to be in violation, the three-judge panel can order the withholding of state funds, including grants, contracts, and state-shared taxes. The bill defines "local government" as counties (including metropolitan and charter governments) and incorporated cities or towns, and "local government action" as ordinances, regulations, orders, or written policies adopted by local government entities. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2025, and applies to local government actions taken on or after that date, with funding implications for the 2026-2027 fiscal year and beyond.

Government Affairs

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB0845&ga=114