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TN SB1032

TN SB1032
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 8; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40 and Title 44, relative to searches.


summary

Introduced
02/05/2025
In Committee
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

114th General Assembly

Bill Summary

As introduced, requires officials who are employed or contracted by the federal government, the state government, or a local government within this state, or an agency or department thereof, to obtain a search warrant that identifies the person or property that is the subject of the search before entering private property, unless a judicially recognized exception to the warrant requirement exists. - Amends TCA Title 4; Title 8; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40 and Title 44.

AI Summary

This bill amends Tennessee law to require government officials, including federal, state, and local employees or contractors such as peace officers, inspectors, and wildlife officials, to obtain a search warrant before entering private property. The warrant must specifically identify the person or property to be searched, following standard legal procedures outlined in Tennessee Code § 40-6-106. However, the bill allows for exceptions to the warrant requirement if a judicially recognized exception exists at the time of the search, such as consent, exigent circumstances, or plain view doctrine. If an official knowingly fails to obtain a required search warrant, they would be committing a Class C misdemeanor, which is typically punishable by a fine and potentially a short jail term. The law is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and is designed to provide additional protection for private property rights by ensuring that government officials have proper legal authorization before conducting searches.

Committee Categories

Justice

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Assigned to General Subcommittee of Senate Judiciary Committee (on 03/24/2026)

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