Bill > HB1097

This bill establishes a new process for the Tennessee Attorney General to review and potentially challenge local government actions that may violate state law or the state constitution. Under this legislation, a state legislator can request the Attorney General investigate a local government's ordinance, regulation, or policy. If the Attorney General determines the action violates state law, they must send a written notice to the local government detailing the specific violation. The local government then has 60 days to either: (1) repeal or revise the action to address the violation, or (2) challenge the Attorney General's findings by filing a special action before a three-judge panel seeking a declaratory judgment. If the local government does not take action within 60 days, the Attorney General can file a special action to seek a declaratory judgment. If the three-judge panel finds the local government action unconstitutional or illegal, they can order the state to withhold all state funds to that local government, including grants, contracts, and state-shared taxes, until the violation is resolved. The bill defines local government as counties and incorporated cities or towns, and applies to actions taken on or after July 1, 2025, with funds affected during the 2026-2027 fiscal year.

Government Affairs, Justice

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB1097&ga=114